Permission granted for legal challenge opposing demolition of Bastion House and Museum of London
Our judicial review claim has been granted permission to proceed. 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.
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:
