Conservationists in uproar over proposals for John Lewis store

Conservationists are fighting to save Milton Keynes’ grade II listed shopping centre from a “damaging” £20 million expansion plan by one of its original tenants.

John Lewis hired Brooker Flynn Architects to remodel its 11,000sq m store, adding an extra 2,000sq m by blocking the side entrances and infilling a colonnade that runs along its internal frontage.

The department store argues this is necessary to boost flagging revenues - despite a bumper Christmas - but campaigners argue that the entrances are part of a grid system that extends into the town. And they say the colonnade is an original feature which was a key reason behind the building’s listing in 2010.

English Heritage and the Twentieth Century Society have written to condemn the scheme but council planners have recommended it for approval.

In its response EH said: “The proposal to remove one of the last remaining original shopfronts in the Milton Keynes centre is considered to harm the significance of the building as a whole. Insufficient justification has been given for the level of harm entailed.”

Linda Inoki, founder of local campaign group Xplain, which originally lobbied for the building to be listed, said: “How can John Lewis, of all companies, consider damaging the national heritage? Of course we want them to invest in Milton Keynes. But why can’t they compromise? If this was an 18th century emporium in Chester or Bath they would have to treat it with respect. Why make an exception here, just because it’s modern architecture?”

The planning committee is due to decide on Thursday.

 

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