Newsletters
"Breaking: Starbucks Closes on Christ’s Lane ...": our newsletter of 24 October 2025
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Our newsletter of 24 October 2025.
The document in full
Page 1
Dear friends, supporters & stakeholders,
It’s happening — the destruction of Christ’s Lane is now visible in real time. Starbucks on Christ's Lane has just announced its closure, the first major retailer to shut down following months of disruption and uncertainty caused by Christ’s College’s so-called “library redevelopment.” Other retailers are preparing to leave. What we warned would happen after approval is unfolding before approval has even been granted. Upcoming endless construction, falling footfall, and the shadowing of a bustling public space are making trade and tenancy impossible. This is the economic unravelling of one of Cambridge’s busiest pedestrian routes — and the “canyonisation” of Market Ward, the city’s heart.
Next Wednesday, October 29 at 10 AM in the Guildhall, the Planning Committee will decide whether to ratify this destruction.
Please register to speak by Monday noon or submit written objections now. This is our final chance to defend a public space that belongs to all of Cambridge.
You can register to speak and receive instructions on how to join the meeting by telephoning Democratic Services on 01223 457013 or by emailing democratic.services@cambridge.gov.uk.
Please also submit any statements, written representations and visual material to this email address by Monday noon.
Our Lead Petitioner, a distinguished Professor at the University of Cambridge has filed a 15-page formal objection report (attached) on behalf of C.L.A.G, identifying nine substantive, material planning breaches. Point 6 is entitled 'Economic Harm to Retailers on Christ’s Lane', specifically identifying:
- Breach of Local Policy Protecting Local Retailers
- Loss of Daylight and Sky – A Fatal Impact to Retail Amenity - Construction Impact – Prolonged and Unmanaged Harm
Despite this, the Case Officer has recommended approval, dismissing all expert evidence — even as businesses fold and the economic collapse on the Lane begins, with other retailers on the lane considering shutting shop. This is not speculation — it's a visible collapse.
If they can turn Christ’s Lane, the heart of conservation Cambridge into a dark, oppressive canyon, they will do it anywhere. We still have time to stop this. Please turn up, speak up and say no.
📅 Wednesday, October 29th | 🕙 10:00 AM |📍 Guildhall, Cambridge With Resolve,
Christ’s Lane Action Group (CLAG)
Link to CLAG’s 15-page objection report → View PDF
The first permission is quashed. The second is frozen.
On Tuesday 20 October 2026 the High Court quashed the first approval, 25/02161/FUL, on all four grounds of our claim. The Secretary of State has frozen the permission. On 13 October she directed the Council not to grant it without her authorisation while she considers whether to call the application in, six days after the identical application 26/02109/FUL was controversially approved. If you would like to support a call in, write to us and we will tell you how.
Email residents@christs-lane.com.