Critics say retrofitting rather than demolishing and constructing buildings has less climate impact
There is a new front in Britain’s planning wars. Rows over obstructed views and architectural style are being elbowed aside by concerns about the carbon footprint of new buildings.
This week, Marks & Spencer became the latest company challenged over its climate impact, when opponents warned that the planned demolition of its 90-year-old flagship store on Oxford Street and replacement with a new structure will create so much carbon dioxide that 2.4m trees would need to be planted to offset it.
