London mayor will not halt M&S demolition as "grounds did not exist" to intervene

https://www.dezeen.com/2022/04/13/m-and-s-demolition-london-mayor-decision/



London mayor Sadiq Khan will not intervene to stop the controversial demolition of the Marks and Spencer store on Oxford Street after a "thorough assessment" of its carbon footprint. Following a review, the mayor of London's office has determined that the demolition of the art deco Marks & Spencer (M&S) flagship store can proceed as it conforms to the London Plan, a framework that sets out standards for the development of the UK capital.

"After a thorough assessment of this proposal, including the total carbon footprint involved, it was determined that grounds did not exist to allow the mayor to intervene," said a spokesperson for the mayor of London. "The mayor can only intervene in council planning decisions where the proposed scheme does not conform with the London Plan."



City of Westminster will make final decision

The City of Westminster approved plans to replace the store with a building designed by UK studio Pilbrow & Partners last November. This decision was initially reviewed on 7 March by London mayor Khan, who chose not to intervene despite widespread condemnation of the plans for its embodied carbon and heritage impacts.

However, his office reviewed the decision again last week after it published updated planning guidance on whole-life cycle carbon assessments. The decision not to intervene means that the fate of the building will be determined by the City of Westminster. "[The decision] will therefore remain with Westminster City Council to determine the application," added the spokesperson for the mayor of London.

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