London mayor Sadiq Khan has given the green light to pedestrianise Oxford Street after receiving overwhelming public support, with two-thirds of respondents backing the £150 million plans to transform one of the world's busiest shopping areas.

The decision follows a nine-week consultation that received 6,642 responses from businesses, individuals and groups. Sixty-six per cent supported the principle of pedestrianising Oxford Street, while 69 per cent backed the designation of a Mayoral Development Area.

The pedestrianisation will extend from Great Portland Street in the east to Orchard Street in the west, covering almost a mile of the street that welcomes around half a million visitors daily. The plans now progress to detailed proposals on removing or diverting 16 bus routes, with changes potentially introduced by 2027.

Khan said: "Oxford Street has suffered over many years so urgent action is needed to give our nation's high street a new lease of life. It's clear that the vast majority of Londoners and major businesses back our exciting plans, so I'm pleased to confirm that we will now be moving ahead as quickly as possible."

The mayor will establish a Mayoral Development Corporation by January next year, claiming planning and money-raising powers currently held by Westminster and Camden councils. This approach follows previous failed attempts to pedestrianise the street due to opposition from Westminster council.

Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner welcomed the proposals, saying: "We want to see Oxford Street become the thriving place to be for tourists and Londoners alike, and that's why we welcome the mayor of London's bold proposals to achieve that."

Major retailers have backed the plans. Selfridges executive director Meave Wall said: "Selfridges has thrived on Oxford Street for well over 100 years, and we're hugely energised by the renewed commitment to make this area more enticing and attractive for locals and visitors from around the world."

IKEA's UK chief executive officer Peter Jekelby described the pedestrianisation as "a positive step, which we believe will create a more welcoming and accessible space – bringing wide-ranging benefits to visitors, shoppers, businesses and the wider community."

John Lewis managing director Peter Ruis added: "We welcome the mayor's plans for the regeneration and pedestrianisation of Oxford Street, where John Lewis has been a key retailer for over 160 years."

However, Westminster council leader Adam Hug noted that while the decision "was not the council's preferred outcome", it was "far from unexpected" and the council would work with the mayor moving forward.

Private cars are already banned from much of Oxford Street, with current traffic consisting mainly of buses, taxis and delivery vehicles. The plans aim to create space for outdoor events and al-fresco dining whilst continuing the recent revival of the area.

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