Selfridges backs M&S plan to raze and rebuild Oxford Street store

Environmental and heritage campaigners have argued that Marks & Spencer’s store should be refurbished rather than knocked down and rebuilt. Photograph: Martin Godwin/The Guardian

Selfridges’ new owners are backing plans by Marks & Spencer to demolish and redevelop its Oxford Street store, with a planning inquiry into the controversial proposals beginning this week.

The two-week inquiry, which starts on Tuesday in Westminster, will pit M&S and its Oxford Street neighbour Selfridges against environmental campaigners and historic building fans, who argue that the 90-year-old landmark store should be refurbished rather than knocked down.