Sign the petition : application 26/02109/FUL
Stop the re-run.
Christ's College wants to build an oversized four-storey "Factory-Library" in the heart of historic Cambridge, almost twice the height of the building it replaces, presenting a tall blank wall to pedestrian-only Christ's Lane, and harming four neighbouring Grade I listed sites. Historic England called it "too big" and "overdominant," warning of harm "as a result of the excessive bulk of the new building." The High Court hears the judicial review of this scheme on 20 October 2026. It should not be approved before the court has ruled. Add your name below.
Five reasons this scheme should not be approved
These are the concerns the campaign, residents and heritage bodies have raised about application 26/02109/FUL.
- An oversized four-storey "Factory-Library" in Cambridge's historic core
- Harm to four neighbouring Grade I listed buildings
- A tall blank wall and lost daylight on pedestrian-only Christ's Lane
- Warnings from Heritage Societies; Historic England and Victorian Society find it harmful
- The same scheme whose permission the College and Council conceded was unlawful is back, now with its heritage harm sold as a "benefit"
What we're asking for. We support a new library; we oppose this design. The harms outweigh the benefits. Cambridge deserves a library that respects its setting and serves the whole city, not just the College.
Sign the petition
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Signing helps. Objecting counts.
A petition shows the strength of feeling. A formal objection goes on the planning record. Please do both. Not sure what to say? Keep it simple, one line is enough: "I object to application 26/02109/FUL. The High Court hears the judicial review of this scheme on 20 October 2026, and it should not be approved before the court has ruled." Comments close on 9 July 2026.
Comments on 26/02109/FUL close 9 July 2026. Email objections to Dominic.Bush@greatercambridgeplanning.org quoting ref. 26/02109/FUL.