University of Oxford: Battle of the book depository

Oxford City Council's decision to refuse planning permission for the University of Oxford's proposed £29 million book depository is to be contested. The university believes that the depository, which would hold 8 million books, is crucial to the long-term future of the Bodleian Library. In refusing permission, the councillors cited concerns about flooding on the site and the new building's effect on the Oxford skyline. The Oxford Preservation Trust, the Oxford Civic Society and the Oxford Green Belt Network have vowed to fight the university in what the local press has called a "classic town versus gown dispute".