The call in
The Secretary of State’s direction of 13 October 2026, the full text
PDF · 2 pages · Primary source · The text below is the PDF’s own text, page by page
The direction of 13 October 2026 issued to the Council on application 26/02109/FUL, as published on the register (document 9554694), in full.
The document in full
Page 1
Dominic Bush Cambridge City Council dominic.bush@greatercambridgeplanning.org
Please ask for:
Rachael Beard
Tel:
0303 44 48073
Email:
Rachael.beard@communities.gov.uk
Your ref:
26/02109/FUL
Our ref:
PCU/RTI/Q0505/3379309
Date:
13 October 2026
Dear Dominic Bush (case officer) TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING (DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT PROCEDURE) (ENGLAND) ORDER 2015 Application by Lord Simon McDonald for Demolition of 1970s library and replacement with new library, social and study spaces including re-provision of bridge to the Bodley Library. Alterations to kitchen, Upper Hall and adjacent areas including new plant, access improvements and alterations to wc, provision in the south east range of Second Court. Re-landscaping of Bath Court and ancillary works, installation of temporary kitchen and dining facility in Second Court for the duration of the works. at Christs College Library Christs College St Andrews Street Cambridge Cambridgeshire (application no: 26/02109/FUL ) 1. I am directed by the Secretary of State to refer to the above planning application. 2. In exercise of his powers under Article 31 of the Town and Country Planning (Development Management Procedure) (England) Order 2015, the Secretary of State hereby directs your Council not to grant permission on this application without specific authorisation. This direction is issued to enable the Secretary of State to consider whether she should direct under Section 77 of the Town and
Planning Casework Unit Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government 23 Stephenson Street Birmingham B2 4BH
Tel: 0303 44 48050 PCU@communities.gov.uk
Page 2
Country Planning Act 1990 that the application should be referred to her for determination. 3. This direction does not, of course, prevent your Council from considering the application, forming a view as to the merits or, if they are so minded, refusing permission. 4. This letter is for procedural purposes and should not be read as any indication of the Secretary of State’s attitude towards the application scheme. 5. I would be grateful for acknowledgement of your receipt of this letter. Please contact the case officer if you have any queries. Yours sincerely Rachael Beard Senior Planning Casework Manager Planning Casework Unit Authorised by the Secretary of State to sign on her behalf This direction was issued by officials on behalf of the Secretary of State under delegated powers.
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.