Cambridge students and local residents are joining forces in a campaign to stop the demolition of the house that allegedly inspired the children’s classic Tom’s Midnight Garden by Philippa Pearce. 13 Chesterton Road, situated opposite the Cam behind Magdalene College, has already been saved twice before by concerned locals but is now under threat once again.

The derelict Victorian house has been the subject of an ongoing feud between the council, who want to knock it down to build 12 modern apartments with car and cycle parking, and campaigners, who say that the proposals will destroy a part of Cambridge’s heritage. Petitions have been successful in saving the building in the past but a new application for its demolition was submitted in November.

On the Facebook group entitled ‘Save Number 13 Chesterton Road’, set up by Magdalene students, activists have voiced their outrage and urge others to sign the petition. One member posted his objection to the council in which he said the proposal would be “a catastrophic cultural loss for Cambridge and Britain”, whilst another Cambridge resident says that she is “fed up with historic buildings being bulldozed to make way for characterless boxes”.

The house in question was heavily damaged by an arson attack in 2008 and currently stands in a dilapidated condition. Overgrown plants and litter are strewn across the garden and graffiti can be seen on the top windows, suggesting the house has been targeted by vandals or squatters.

An engineers’ report on the house states that there is “concern with regards to the long term stability of the structure” and it is for this reason that the council want to demolish the building in spite of protests from students and residents living nearby.

The link between the house and Philippa Pearce’s Tom’s Midnight Garden has long been rumoured but never proven. Pearce grew up in Great Shelford, a village south of Cambridge, in a grand Mill House that has also been cited as an inspiration for the story.

Pearce studied English and History at Girton College. The story, which was published in 1958 and is regarded as a masterpiece of children’s literature, tells the tale of a lonely boy staying at his aunt’s house in ‘Castleford’, a pseudonym for Cambridge, and his adventures with a mysterious girl from the past.

A decision will be made on the future of the house on 21st January.