Local community group, Christ’s Lane Action Group, has launched an objection to Christ’s College’s new library planning proposal.

Submitted in early June (02/06), the proposal is still being reviewed by the Greater Cambridge Shared Planning service in collaboration with Cambridge City Council.

The project, which is the third attempt by the College for planning permission since 2011, seeks to demolish the current 1970s library and create a new library at a “100% increase in study space”.

It also plans to build a “reconfigured kitchen, dining, and social facilities,” alongside step-free access to these facilities.

However, the action group has launched a petition against the proposal, which has reportedly received “almost 100 signatures from individuals with a Cambridge postal address”.

Historic England, a public body advising on protecting historic buildings, also added that the proposals “would result in certain levels of harm to the significance of the listed building” due to the new building’s “excessive bulk”.

In response to the petition, a Developer Control Forum has been called for September, which will be open to residents and hosted in Guildhall.

The College, which has commissioned Grafton Architects for the project, claims the new building will be a step toward meeting its environmental and sustainability targets, as part of a “pathway to net zero carbon emissions”.

A spokesperson for Christ’s College told Varsity the new build “will transform an unsightly and impractical part of the College into a beautiful, light-filled library”. The space, they stated, is “inspired by and engages with the historic buildings in the First Court at Christ’s”.

“In sum, the project will transform an unsightly and impractical part of the College into a beautiful, light-filled library within an inclusive and fully accessible environment in which our students can thrive,” the spokesperson added.

A third-year Christ’s student told Varsity that a new library “is really needed,” and the new build “looks so nice”.

A spokesperson for Greater Cambridge Shared Planning service, the shared planning service for Cambridge City and South Cambridgeshire District councils, said: “Application 25/02161/FUL was received in June 2025 and is currently being reviewed by planning officers. We are unable to comment further on the application prior to the application being determined.

“Anyone can comment on a planning application through the usual process by visiting our planning portal and entering the application reference into the search bar. Comments can be in support, objection or be neutral to an application.”