The Ron Arad and David Adjaye-designed UK Holocaust Memorial and Learning Centre in London is facing another legal challenge this week after years of back-and-forth between a slate of opposition groups and the UK government.

The Times of Israel is reporting that a High Court judge has granted permission to an appeal effort authored by a group called the London Historic Parks and Gardens Trust. 

The plan had previously been given the all-clear back in July following a public inquiry begun by opponents whose qualms stem mainly from the memorial’s design and proposed location in the historic Victoria Towers Gardens. Adjaye has said he was “stunned” by the backlash, indicating that he felt the proposed design revolves around educational access and an intended “crescendo” effect at a public inquiry held last October. The architect also insisted the updated proposals left much of the park’s landscape altered but still available for its previous public use.

The same group initiated that public inquiry and is now seeking a Planning Statutory Review that could result in a second refusal of permission according to UK law.

The judge’s orders referenced two of five possible grounds for approval of the last-minute review, which is to be undertaken based on a technical issue in the inspector’s decision during this summer’s review process, in addition to the “impossible” leveraged consideration for the memorial be located instead at London’s Imperial War Museum, which the court deemed “arguable.” 

“Last autumn’s public inquiry raised serious concerns about the plans’ impact on heritage and a valuable public park, as well as raising issues of flood risk, security, and damage to mature trees,” Justice Ruth Deetch said of the decision. “We passionately believe that the Holocaust should be remembered, but we believe that this ill-considered and damaging proposal will do a disservice to victims and survivors, and little to enhance understanding and respect.”

As it stands, the project will begin construction next year with a 2025 completion in its sites barring another halt in its progress. Archinect will share any updates on the review process as they become available.