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Mr Dominic Bush Direct Dial: 01223 582784 Greater Cambridge Shared Planning South Cambridgeshire Hall Our ref: L01594085 Cambourne Business Park Cambourne Cambridge CB23 6EA 1 September 2025
Dear Mr Bush
Arrangements for Handling Heritage Applications Direction 2021
CHRIST'S COLLEGE LIBRARY, CHRIST'S COLLEGE, ST ANDREW'S STREET, CAMBRIDGE, CB2 3BU Application No. 25/02162/LBC
Thank you for your letter of 28 August 2025 regarding further information on the above application for listed building consent. On the basis of this information, we offer the following advice to assist your authority in determining the application.
Historic England Advice An additional set of plans has been submitted in support of this application. The overall massing of the building remains unchanged but revisions have been introduced to the chimney/ventilation stacks and the position of the wash up pod, which were raised in our letter of advice dated 29 July 2025.
The height of the ventilation stacks has been reduced 90cm; further louvered slots have been added to the side and rear elevations to compensate for the loss ventilation area; this also helps to break up the mass of these elements.
The wash up area has been relocated within the kitchen space, with the former buttery now accommodating the chef’s offices. This is a more benign use of the space which would require less alteration, allowing the character of the space - and legibility of plan form - to be better retained.
We fully appreciate the challenges of trying to accommodate an ambitious program within the constraints of the existing space, and welcome the additional work carried out in response to consultation feedback.
We are of the opinion that if the height of the staircase turret could similarly be slightly reduced, this would better retain the prominence of the reduced chimney/ventilation
24 BROOKLANDS AVENUE, CAMBRIDGE, CB2 8BU Telephone 01223 582749 HistoricEngland.org.uk
Historic England is subject to both the Freedom of Information Act (2000) and Environmental Information Regulations (2004). Any Information held by the organisation can be requested for release under this legislation.
stacks. This in turn would improve the relationship of the building with the Bodley library and its perceived bulk in views from St Andrew’s Street. We would encourage this is considered.
Overall, Historic England welcomes the revisions introduced to the scheme and retains its position of no objection.
Recommendation We ask that this application is determined in accordance with national and local planning policy guidance and on the basis of your expert conservation advice. It is not necessary for us to be consulted again.
In determining this application you should bear in mind the statutory duty of section 66(1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 to have special regard to the desirability of preserving listed buildings or their setting or any features of special architectural or historic interest which they possess.
In addition, section 72(1) of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 asks you to pay special attention to the desirability of preserving or enhancing the character or appearance of conservation areas.
Your authority should take these representations into account in determining the application. If there are any material changes to the proposals, or you would like further advice, please contact us. Please advise us of the decision in due course.
Yours sincerely
Rosa Teira Paz Inspector of Historic Buildings and Areas E-mail: rosa.teirapaz@historicengland.org.uk
24 BROOKLANDS AVENUE, CAMBRIDGE, CB2 8BU Telephone 01223 582749 HistoricEngland.org.uk
Historic England is subject to both the Freedom of Information Act (2000) and Environmental Information Regulations (2004). Any Information held by the organisation can be requested for release under this legislation.