Decision on fate of Marks & Spencer flagship store to be made within weeks

Marks & Spencer will learn the fate of plans for its flagship store on Oxford Street within weeks as it plans to open ten more stores.

After a planning row, Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner will block or approve proposals for the London store on or before December 5.

And boss Stuart Machin has planned to open even more stores, the Mail understands, as the High Street retailer’s recovery is in full swing.

M&S is seeking permission to demolish its 1929 art deco flagship near Marble Arch and build a larger ten-storey retail and office block in its place.

Former housing secretary Michael Gove blocked the plans last year and an appeal was delayed by the general election. Machin called the decision “absolutely pathetic” and said the proposals would help revitalize the area.

The M&S boss accused Gove of “an anti-business approach, stifling growth and denying Oxford Street thousands of quality new jobs”.

Machin won a victory in March when High Court Judge Ms Lieven concluded that Gove had made a series of errors in his interpretation and application of planning policy.

But the retailer has also faced opposition to the plans from heritage campaigners including London Eye architect Julia Barfield and Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud.

Last week, M&S hailed windfall profits of £391.9m for the six months to October, up 20 per cent on last year.

And Machin was “very confident” of a great Christmas with a range of party dresses designed with actress Sienna Miller flying off the shelves since their launch earlier this month.

In its half-year results, sales rose 5.8 per cent to £6.5bn as the group attracted a broader base of buyers.

M&S has approval for 70 more stores, with plans for 180 full-line stores and 420 food outlets by 2028.

The proposals now include five additional full-line stores and five more dedicated food stores, The Mail understands.