Permission granted for legal challenge opposing demolition of Bastion House and Museum of London

The judicial review claim, brought by campaign group Barbican Quarter Organisation (BQO), has been granted permission to proceed.  

The claim opposes plans for three new office buildings to replace the Museum of London and Bastion House, which would both be knocked down to make way.  

Plans for the development were agreed by the City of London Corporation (CLC) in April 2024, with the CLC acting as both the developer and approving authority, before being put on hold after former Communities Secretary Michael Gove issued an Article 31 order blocking planning permission. 

However, this was lifted the following month by Mr Gove, and the CLC formally approved the planning application for the development in December 2024.  

This decision is now set to be contested in the High Court by BQO. The group launched its legal challenge in the weeks following the decision to approve, and has now been granted permission to bring its judicial review claim.  

BQO question whether the decision to approve the development followed correct procedure and complied with environmental legislation and planning policy. 

The group says that demolition would result in tens of thousands of tonnes of carbon dioxide being released, despite the current buildings being confirmed as safe and suitable for re-use by industry experts. 

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. 

A spokesperson for Barbican Quarter Organisation said: 

“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.” 

Leigh Day partner Ricardo Gama, who represents BQO, said: 

“The City of London has recognised in its planning policies that it is no longer acceptable to treat buildings as disposable. Given the massive amounts of carbon needed to demolish and replace buildings, the age of single use buildings is over. That is why our clients were surprised that, in their view, the City of London failed to follow their own policies in granting planning permission for a demolition and rebuild scheme instead of looking properly at a re-use and refurbishment scheme.” 

Leigh Day have instructed Estelle Dehon KC and Riccardo Calzavara at Cornerstone Barristers.