Claimant to appeal High Court refusal of Bloomsbury tower block judicial review

The High Court has rejected a judicial review challenge application that argued Camden Council's approval of a tower block in Bloomsbury jeopardised nearby heritage buildings, including the British Museum.

Despite the setback, architect Jim Monahan, representing the 'Save Museum Street' campaign, has vowed to appeal the decision on advice from his legal team.

The approved development, which will neighbour the British Museum, will see the demolition of a 1960s 54-metre tower and the construction of a 74-metre tall office block in its place.

The site will also include commercial space and 17 affordable homes, according to the developer.

Monahan said the new tower would "destroy" the Bloomsbury conservation area as it will be visible from the British Museum and Bedford Square.

He argued that the council disregarded planning laws protecting Bloomsbury's historic character and that the tower threatens to overshadow Bloomsbury's Georgian streets and views from heritage sites like the British Museum and Bedford Square.

Mrs Justice Lang denied Monahan's application to proceed to judicial review on Tuesday (10 September), as she believed the outcome of the challenge would have remained the same.

However, the claimant's legal team said they have seen similar cases succeed on appeal.

In a statement on the decision, Monahan said: "This is not the end of our journey—far from it.

"While the ruling went against us, as we anticipated given the high legal threshold, there was a glimmer of hope.

"The judge found Camden Council at fault on a key aspect of our case: they failed to consider the Camden Local Plan's mandate to protect and enhance heritage assets on Site 18."

The Save Museum Street campaign group has received more than £15,000 in donations on Crowd Justice, a crowdfunding website for legal challenges.

Goodenough Ring is representing the group.

Adam Carey