The current planning system, and particularly the protection of historic buildings, seems to be a shambles.

After a lengthy public debate as to whether or not it was sensible for Marks & Spencer to pull down their landmark building and replace it with an extremely indifferent office block, it went to a lengthy planning enquiry and Michael Gove as Secretary of State – very unusually – refused permission.  But now Marks & Spencer have got the High Court to overturn the Secretary of State’s decision.  What an incredible mess !  And what a waste of public money.

Does the Secretary of State not have proper legal advice ?

The real estate sector may breathe a sigh of relief.  But it reduces efforts to encourage re-use of buildings to rubble as M&S pour the most grotesque and ugly scorn on issues of public opinion and climate change.

https://www.dezeen.com/2024/03/01/marks-spencer-oxford-street-demolition/?utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=Daily%20Dezeen&utm_content=Daily%20Dezeen+CID_f48041dcea57c75e00c1ae99f324f7cd&utm_source=Dezeen%20Mail&utm_term=Marks%20%20Spencer%20wins%20rights%20to%20demolish%20Oxford%20Street%20flagship