Our judicial review claim against the City of London has been dismissed.
We are disappointed by today’s decision and while the outcome is not what we had hoped for, we respect the court’s process and the seriousness with which the case was considered. Mr Justice Fordham did find that there was a breach of the statutory duty of objectivity but that the permission remained lawful, because, fortuitously, no tainting of the decision took place. Furthermore, the judgment reinforced the importance of strong evidence in relation to options for retention/demolition. The judge considered that this strong evidence had been provided. While we do not share the judge’s conclusion on this point, we are not in a position to take this fight further. Finally, we believe that this judgment clearly demonstrates that the impact of climate change is critical to a correct application of sustainability policy.
This case has always been about ensuring transparency, accountability, and fairness in planning decisions. Although the judgment does not go in our favour, we firmly believe that raising these issues was both necessary and justified. Legal action is only one part of a much broader effort to advocate for meaningful change, and that work continues.
We want to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has supported BQO throughout this process. From those who contributed their time and expertise: from our legal team - Estelle Dehon KC, Riccardo Calzavara (Cornerstone Barristers); Ricardo Gama and Lily Hartley-Matthews (Leigh Day) - to the many individuals and organisations who stood with us publicly and privately, and to all of you who so generously donated to our Crowdfunder - your encouragement has been invaluable. Your support has strengthened our resolve and demonstrated the importance of the issues at stake.
Our commitment to our core mission remains unchanged, and we will continue to pursue constructive and lawful avenues to achieve our objectives. Our environment, our heritage and our planet remain at risk with the continuation of the London Wall West scheme as it stands.
Thank you once again to all our supporters for your trust, solidarity, and continued belief in our work.
FOLLOWING THE HEARING, WHICH LASTED TWO FULL DAYS, Mr jUSTICE fORDHAM WILL CONSIDER THE SUBMISSIONS AND PLEADINGS, AND WEIGH UP THE EVIDENCE PRESENTED. hE WILL SHARE HIS JUDGMENT IN DUE COURSE.
A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR SUPPORTERS ANd strong LEGAL TEAM.
High Court hearing for legal challenge to knock down the historic Museum of London and Bastion House
Barbican Quarter Organisation (BQO) welcomes the forthcoming judicial review at the High Court, which provides an important opportunity to ensure that the planning process has been conducted lawfully and transparently.
This case is not simply about a single development proposal. It raises wider questions about the protection of heritage, the quality of architectural and urban design, and the responsibility of decision-makers to properly consider the long-term impact of major developments on the environment as well as established communities in the City of London and beyond.
We hope the judicial review will bring clarity to the issues raised and reinforce the importance of robust, accountable planning decisions that work to create an urban environment that is truly fit for all our futures.
Permission granted for legal challenge opposing demolition of Bastion House and Museum of London
Our judicial review claim has been granted permission to proceed. Our campaign to stop the demolition and re-development of Bastion House and the former Museum of London will now proceed to a full hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice.
The claim is being brought on three grounds:
CLC failed to comply with the Environmental Impact Assessment Regulations requirements to act with impartiality and objectivity when granting planning permission to themselves.
CLC misunderstood and/or failed to apply a local planning policy which puts in place a presumption that buildings will be re-used instead of demolished.
CLC failed to consider alternatives and/or failed to comply with the duty to make enquiries under the case of Secretary of State for Education and Science v Tameside MBC [1977] AC 1014 – specifically in relation to the policy requirement for developers to avoid demolition through the re-use of existing buildings or their main structures.
This is a crucial moment for residents and for everyone who cares about London’s heritage and climate commitments. We are delighted that the Court has recognised that our case is arguable and should now progress to a full hearing. BQO is very grateful to everyone who has supported this campaign. We would not be here without you. Your continuing financial support will help put a stop to this harmful project.
The RIBA’s collections could become part of a public-facing ‘museum of architecture’ under plans that might involve the former Museum of London building
The Architects’ Journal has revealed that the institute has settled on a standalone museum to store and showcase its huge archives, and is considering several locations with spaces between 1,800m² to 3,700m² in the capital. These include the former Museum of London site in the City of London, although it is understood that discussions are still at a very early stage.
UK1: Pipeline notice - Procurement Act 2023, published 6 June 2025, 3:07pm
Despite the City’s assurances that all options remain on the table: The City of London Corporation is planning the demolition of the existing structures at the London Wall West site, including the former Museum of London and Bastion House. The demolition works are expected to commence in 2028, following the relocation of the Museum of London to its new site in West Smithfield.
Total value (estimated): £8,400,000 including VAT
Contract dates (estimated): 6 January 2028 to 1 August 2029
Publication date of tender notice (estimated): 1 August 2025
On Friday 13 December 2024 notice was given that The City of London Corporation formally approved the planning application for London Wall West (LWW). This means that the demolition and redevelopment of the site can now go ahead.
Earlier this year, on 17 April, the City’s Planning Sub-committee voted in favour of the City’s plans for London Wall West. Subsequently the then Secretary of State, Michael Gove, decided to lift the Holding Direction. One of the reasons why the City did not move before is that it was awaiting a Government decision on whether the two buildings should be listed. Disappointingly, and despite representations and evidence from the C20 Society and others, the Government has accepted Historic England’s recommendation that the two buildings should remain unlisted.
The City remains intent on demolition although sustainability and heritage objections remain. Indeed, these objections grow stronger as planning policy shifts towards retrofit solutions and the climate emergency worsens. There is no doubt that the buildings can be successfully retained and adapted. The present use of the former Museum building as an extension of the City of London School for Girls indicates their soundness and potential.
BQA objected Along with over 700 OBJECTORS to the LWW plans on 31 January 2024.
our detailed objection prepared by Planning Consultant Carney Sweeney was submitted by Planning Lawyers Leigh Day Solicitors. it included:
BQA letters submitted to the CoLC at pre-application stage;
the Embodied Carbon Review by Simon Sturgis of Targeting Zero;
the BQA review of the DEsign and access statement and Townscape, visual and built heritage impact Assessment By JM Petroschka (ABR);
the Heritage Assessment by Alec Forshaw;
Cathy Ross on Archeology;
the Assessment of Daylight, Sunlight, Solar Glare and Light Spillage by Anstey Horne;
and the Planning Policy Review table by Carney Sweeney.
THE CITY OF LONDON CORPORATION SUBMITTED A FULL PLANNING APPLICATION TO DEMOLISH THE FORMER MUSEUM OF LONDON AND BASTION HOUSE AND TO REDEVELOP THE SITE.
The applications (Consisting of One Full Planning Application and two Listed Building Consent Applications) have been validated. All 382 + 135 + 157 Planning Documents can be found on the City’s website. Please click on the application reference numbers below:
