One Museum Street developers defeat crowdfunded legal challenge

The High Court in London has dismissed a legal challenge to plans to redevelop One Museum Street, W1. Site owner BC Partners Real Estate, with developer Simten, plans to provide 175,000 sq ft of offices and 44 new homes, 19 of which will be affordable, on the plot. Construction is scheduled to start next year and last until 2028. Camden Council agreed to grant planning permission in November, but local campaigners crowdfunded a legal challenge to the decision, which was heard earlier this week. They argued that the project would damage the conservation area and that the developers should retrofit the existing building instead of demolishing it and rebuilding. However, Mrs Justice Lang backed the developers. The ruling was handed down yesterday, but has not yet been published.  Laurien Douin, partner at BC Partners Real Estate, said the ruling was “a crucial affirmation of Camden Council’s thorough and considered planning process.” He added: “We are now focused on moving forward with the One Museum Street development, which will be a game-changer for this area by bringing considerable benefits to the local community, including much-needed affordable housing, sustainable workspaces and enhanced public spaces.”