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Michael Parsons Bursar
Tel +44 (0)1223 334935 Email bursar@christs.cam.ac.uk
11 June 2026
Dear Councillor
I am writing to explain why Christ’s College has taken the unusual step of submitting a second planning application for our Library+ project.
As you will be aware, Christ’s College received planning permission for its Library+ project from the City Council’s Planning Committee last October 2025. The Council’s decision was subsequently challenged by Christ’s Lane Action Group.
The High Court is not due to hear that Judicial Review until October 2026, 12 months after planning permission was granted. A year’s delay is significant in relation to the short time that students attend the College. The poor accessibility of our current library and cafeteria, and the very restricted number and type of study spaces, is detrimental to current and prospective students.
The College has therefore submitted a second application, to enable the Council to consider our project afresh. The details of the project have not changed, as the Judicial Review relates to the Council’s decision-making process, not the details of the College’s project.
A reminder that our Library+ project involves a new, fully accessible library with a greater number and range of study spaces, to suit the needs of all students, including those who are neurodivergent. It also enables the electrification of our kitchens as part of our Net Zero journey and provides full accessibility to our student cafeteria ("Upper Hall") and other important College rooms.
It will also significantly enhance the streetscape along Christ’s Lane. Once the project is completed, there will be a public bench along the wall of the new Library, and an artist-designed replacement of the current solid wooden gate will offer passers-by views into the College’s Bath Court. Light from the windows of the new Library will cast light on Christ’s Lane in the dark, improving the sense of security for pedestrians. Christ’s Lane will remain open to pedestrians throughout the construction period.
I would like to invite you to the open meeting that the College will be holding for local residents on Monday 6 July, starting at 6.00 pm in Seminar Room 2/3, Yusuf Hamied Court, Christ’s College (directions will be sign-posted from the Porters’ Lodge).
In the meantime, you may be interested in looking at our website https://www.christs.cam.ac.uk/library-plus, which includes information on our Library+ project, with links to details of the heritage benefits that will arise from the project, and some Q&A.
Yours sincerely
Michael Parsons Bursar
Registered Charity: 1137540 Christ’s College, St Andrew’s Street, Cambridge CB2 3BU Tel +44 (0)1223 334900 www.christs.cam.ac.uk