Marks and Spencer Wins Court Case Over Store Plan

The British government’s decision to block a rebuild of the Marks and Spencer (London) flagship was deemed unlawful, in a ruling handed down by the High Court on Friday. 

Last year, the British government refused to grant planning permission to Marks and Spencer to renovate its flagship in Marble Arch in London, citing heritage and environmental concerns. This decision overturned approval granted from the local council. 

The retailer’s plan includes redevelopment of the building built in 1929 and “would deliver one of London’s greenest buildings, create thousands of new jobs and rejuvenate the capital’s premier shopping district,” said Marks and Spencer Operation Director Sacha Berendji. 

Marks and Spencer filed against the decision and had a hearing in court in February. Judge Nathalie Liven ruled on Friday that the decision misapplied planning policy and the decision was overturned.