Marcus Geddes, Chair of Westminster Property Association (and Managing Director, Workplace at Landsec) has called for clear national policy about demolition versus refurbishment following the high court judgement on Marks & Spencer’s flagship store on Oxford Street and its refusal by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove MP. He said:
“The judgement underlines that complex cases require balanced consideration and should not be decided by political whim. The case has become a lighting rod for debate around refurbishment and redevelopment and what happens next could have a huge impact on investment into towns and cities across the UK. There is an urgent need for clear national policy on how developers and planners alike should approach complex cases such as this to avoid needless and costly delays and ensure we can revitalise town and cities, create jobs and drive growth.
“Supporting investment in the country’s building stock is essential if we are to work collectively to address climate change. We hope the Secretary of State takes note of this judgement and allows due planning process to take its course without further delay.”
Further reading:
Read: Bisnow – ‘Calls For New National Policy As M&S Wins Appeal To Knock Down Marble Arch Store‘
