Track the latest renovation and development activity in Bloomsbury. We monitor planning applications across Camden to help you understand what's possible on your street.
| Address | Project Type | Status | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 Mecklenburgh Square, WC1 | Change of Use | Approved | 24 Feb 2026 | Change of use from B1 office to C3 residential with external alterations |
| 26 Russell Square, WC1 | Rear Extension | Approved | 18 Feb 2026 | Single-storey rear extension under permitted development rights |
| 4 Gordon Square, WC1 | Garden Room | Refused | 15 Feb 2026 | New garden studio with green roof for home working |
| 29 Doughty Street, WC1 | Loft Conversion | Under Review | 11 Feb 2026 | Hip-to-gable loft conversion with new dormer to rear elevation |
| 38 Great Ormond Street, WC1 | Roof Terrace | Approved | 7 Feb 2026 | Roof terrace to rear flat roof area with lightweight decking |
| 67 Russell Square, WC1 | Demolition & Rebuild | Pending | 1 Feb 2026 | Complete demolition and rebuild of war-damaged property to original design |
| 50 Russell Square, WC1 | Full Refurbishment | Pending | 20 Jan 2026 | Whole-house renovation including new heating system and upgraded insulation |
| 32 Queen Square, WC1 | Roof Terrace | Under Review | 8 Jan 2026 | Creation of accessible roof terrace with privacy screening |
| 11 Doughty Street, WC1 | Change of Use | Approved | 8 Jan 2026 | Change of use from office to two residential apartments |
| 32 Woburn Square, WC1 | Basement Conversion | Approved | 3 Dec 2025 | New basement level with front lightwell, providing additional living accommodation |
| 4 Bloomsbury Square, WC1 | Full Refurbishment | Approved | 20 Nov 2025 | Comprehensive refurbishment retaining period details with contemporary additions |
| 70 Mecklenburgh Square, WC1 | Change of Use | Under Review | 3 Nov 2025 | Change of use from B1 office to C3 residential with external alterations |
| 47 Great Ormond Street, WC1 | Basement Conversion | Approved | 24 Sep 2025 | Single-storey basement extension with front and rear lightwells |
| 74 Great Ormond Street, WC1 | Change of Use | Pending | 13 Sep 2025 | Change of use from office to two residential apartments |
Bloomsbury has seen strong renovation activity over the past twelve months, with change of uses accounting for 29% of all planning applications. Roof Terraces follow at 14%, with full refurbishments making up a further 14% of submissions. This pattern reflects the character of Bloomsbury's housing stock and the aspirations of homeowners in the WC1 postcode.
As a designated conservation area, Bloomsbury requires all external alterations to be sympathetically designed and built using appropriate materials. Planning officers at Camden Council pay close attention to proposals that affect the streetscape, particularly along prominent roads such as Bedford Square and Russell Square. Despite these additional requirements, our data shows a 50% approval rate for applications in the area — evidence that well-prepared submissions continue to succeed.
The most active streets for development in Bloomsbury include Bedford Square, Russell Square, Bloomsbury Square, where homeowners are investing in both extending and upgrading their properties. Full refurbishments and change-of-use applications reflect the mixed residential and commercial character of the area, with many conversions creating high-specification apartments.
Properties in Bloomsbury (WC1) typically range from period terraces to substantial detached homes. Whether you are considering a straightforward loft conversion or a comprehensive basement dig, early engagement with Camden Council's planning department — and appointing an architect familiar with local policy — will significantly improve your chances of a smooth approval. Our team maintains an outstanding track record across the WC1 postcode.
Camden Council manages planning applications across Bloomsbury and the wider borough. As a conservation area, Bloomsbury is subject to additional planning controls. Permitted development rights may be restricted under Article 4 directions, meaning proposals that would normally not require planning permission may need a formal application.
For advice on what you can build in Bloomsbury, see our Planning & Permissions guide. You can also review our planning track record to see our approval rates across London boroughs.
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