Demolition of museum to build offices moves step closer as Michael Gove opts not to call in application

The demolition of the former Museum of London and Bastion House to build three new office blocks has moved a step closer after Levelling Up Secretary Michael Gove opted not to call in and decide the application himself. Local councillors and campaigners had urged Mr Gove to determine the London Wall West project personally, after he stepped in to prevent the City of London Corporation granting final approval last month.

The Section 31 Holding Direction, which was issued just prior to the planning meeting at which the City was to vote on the scheme, has however now been lifted, leaving the way clear for the redevelopment to go ahead.

A spokesperson for Barbican Quarter Action (BQA), which has been campaigning against the plans, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the decision has 'ramifications beyond the Square Mile', and said the group "will use all remaining avenues available to halt this shameless, rapacious scheme".

READ MORE: Michael Gove urged to take charge of London council's decision to demolish museum and build offices

The plans for London Wall West, which is on the edge of the Barbican estate, involve knocking down the former Museum of London building and Bastion House and replacing them with three office blocks, ranging from five to 17 storeys tall. A host of public realm improvements and various greening measures are also proposed.

The extent to which new office space is required in the City, and how the redevelopment fits with the Corporations ‘retrofit-first’ policy and wider environmental proclamations, have however been repeatedly questioned by objectors. At the planning meeting on April 17, where the committee voted to grant indicative approval of the scheme, several members raised doubts over the City’s claim the redevelopment would result in lower carbon emissions long-term than if the two buildings were to be repurposed.

The City has also said it is projected to need 1.2 million square metres of additional office space by 2040, with the London Wall West scheme to contribute to that requirement. This has similarly been queried, with campaigners calling for the space to instead be put to alternative uses. The original plan was to construct a major new concert hall on the site, though this was canned in early 2021 due to cost.

Following the issuing of the Section 31 Holding Direction, a number of letters were sent to Mr Gove requesting he call in the application, including one penned by Alderman Christopher Makin on behalf of all six councillors representing the local ward.

The letter read: "We are aware that it is government policy to be selective about calling-in planning applications. My colleagues and I are keen that these planning applications are called-in because they conflict with national policies on important matters, raising significant concerns regarding design, heritage and the environment relating to the development of a very prominent site.”

The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) however now understands Mr Gove has lifted the Section 31 Holding Direction, meaning the City can issue planning permission and allow works to begin on-site.

A spokesperson for BQA said: "This decision by Michael Gove, while disappointing for the future of the London Wall West site, has ramifications beyond the Square Mile. Just a few weeks ago, the High Court ruled that the country's net-zero strategy is in breach of the law, in a fresh legal blow to the Government's efforts in addressing the climate crisis.

"The London Wall West scheme is in breach of local, London and national policy. The decision now enables the demolition of two significant post-war heritage assets and damage to many listed assets that will be dwarfed by the bloated and bulbous buildings being proposed.

"Developers wanted to retain and retrofit the existing buildings by Powell & Moya but their credible offers were ignored. This was and remains an opportunity for the City of London Corporation and the UK Government to lead the way and demonstrate a commitment to tackling the climate emergency. Barbican Quarter Action believes that the fight does not stop here. We will use all remaining avenues available to halt this shameless, rapacious scheme. Watch this space!"

A City of London Corporation spokesperson, said: “We have been informed that the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has lifted the Section 31 Holding Direction on the London Wall West planning application and decided not to call-in the application. The City Corporation as Local Planning Authority will now progress with issuing planning permission to allow works to commence on site.

“The approval of the London Wall West proposals brings us closer to our goal of meeting demand for 1.2 million square metres of new office space by 2040, a figure backed by industry experts taking into account projected jobs growth and new working from home patterns.

“The City of London is a global economic powerhouse, and it is vital we continue to signal to investors that we are keeping it that way, by delivering a centre of collaboration and innovation for the hundreds of thousands of people who work here.”

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