From Dailymail · · 2m
Cambridge University battles professor over library plans
Cambridge University faces legal clash with physics professor over proposed 'coarse megabuilding' library design.
In brief
Cambridge University faces legal clash with physics professor over proposed 'coarse megabuilding' library design. Cambridge University's plans for a new state-of-the-art library were quashed by High Court after campaign group argued it would damage historic city center. Originally reported by Dailymail.
Cambridge University legal battle
Cambridge University is battling one of its own professors in court over plans for a new state-of-the-art library.
Professor Sebastian leads campaign
Physics professor Suchitra Sebastian is spearheading the fight against the historic institution, calling the proposed development 'too coarse' for Cambridge's streets.
Christ's College library plans
The university's Christ's College wants to demolish its 1970s library and replace it with a modern four-storey facility connected to historic Bodley Library.
Proposed library design
The plans feature a four-storey library set around a three-storey reading room with a bridge connecting to historic Bodley Library and a deep masonry wall fronting the street.
Campaign group opposition
The Christ's Lane Action Group (CLAG) argues the 'bulky' building would 'destroy the integrity of Cambridge's core conservation area'.
Historic England concerns
Historic England raised concerns about 'increased massing' and 'excessive bulk' for the proposed 40ft high building.
Council approval process
The city council approved the 2025 planning permission but later froze it pending ministerial review after CLAG challenged the decision.
High Court ruling
High Court quashed the 2025 planning permission after finding council failed to properly communicate Historic England's concerns.
Legal consequences
The second application remains live while a decision is made whether to call it in for ministerial consideration.
Key legal issue
The court found council did not fully communicate Historic England's concerns and failed to consider less harmful alternatives.
Professor's stance
Professor Sebastian insists the proposed library is 'too big' and 'too coarse' for Cambridge's historic streets.
Historic context
Christ's College has twice before in 2011 and 2016 secured planning permission but not gone through with the plans.
Recent development
The dispute reached the High Court after CLAG sought ruling on what went wrong with council's decision on the first application.
Legal outcome
The decision means the 2025 planning permission stands quashed with reasons officially recorded in consent order.
Next steps
The second application remains live while a decision is made whether to call it in for ministerial consideration.
In short
Cambridge University's plans for a new state-of-the-art library were quashed by High Court after campaign group argued it would damage historic city center.
