M&S had confirmed that the ground floor had been designed with the business in mind as the “long-term” operator once it was complete. It would have been run as an M&S Foodhall rather than a full M&S store and was slated to create 60 new jobs. CGI image showing how the redevelopment would look (Image: : Nacropolis Construction Ltd/Hertsmere Planning Portal/Claridge Architects)Hertsmere Borough Council received 45 objections and three supporting comments on the application. Place Services said the demolition works are “not considered contentious” but took issue with the “unsympathetic" design of the scheme. Meanwhile, the Ecology Service only requested further information on bat surveys, protected species details, and contribution to biodiversity net gain off site.