Michael Gove has ruled that Marks & Spencer cannot demolish and redevelop its flagship central London store.

M&S CEO Stuart Machin called the secretary of state’s decision ‘a short sighted act of self-sabotage’.

The retailer had submitted plans to replace its current Oxford Street building with a new shop and large office block.

Despite opposition, Westminster City Council approved the scheme – but in June last year, Mr Gove directed that the application be referred to him, rather than be dealt with by the local planning authority.

The appointed inspector recommended approval of the scheme. Mr Gove, however, decided yesterday (20 July) to refuse permission.

The Secretary of State for Levelling up, Housing and Communities considered the heritage impact on the area and the environmental impact of demolishing and rebuilding the store, rather than refurbishing the current building.

Mr Machin said: ‘The suggestion the decision is on the grounds of sustainability is nonsensical.’

He said the proposed development would have been more sustainable than the current building, which could not be retrofitted.

Cllr Geoff Barraclough, Westminster city council’s cabinet member for planning and economic development, said the proposed scheme had ‘significant implications for the environment so it was right the case should be tested robustly’.

Cllr Barraclough added: ‘The council’s position is to encourage landowners to refurbish buildings, not demolish them.’

He said he hoped M&S would return with a revised scheme that ‘meets the new tests presented by the climate emergency’.

Mr Machin, however, said the retailer was now considering leaving Oxford Street.