THE refurbishment of a tunnel which connects two libraries, affordable homes and changes to a pub garden are among the latest planning applications in Oxford.

• Library tunnel upgrade

The University of Oxford has submitted an application to upgrade a tunnel which connects the Weston and Bodleian libraries in Broad Street.

The application is to refurbish the service tunnel that runs from the lowest basement of the Weston Library, below Broad Street, to the basement of the Bodleian Library.

The work will involve the removal of redundant fixtures, fire precaution, ventilation and electrical safety improvements, lighting upgrades and the renovation of the internal finishes.

The entrance to the tunnel from the Weston Library is three stories below ground floor, accessible via stairs or a lift.

At the Bodleian end, the tunnel is accessed by a lift.

The tunnel itself has a long steep gradient and low headroom in places so access is restricted to authorised members of staff.

The tunnel was built as part of the New Bodleian (now Weston) Library from 1936 to 1940, to facilitate the transport of books between the two libraries.

The books were transported on a paternoster conveyor belt that ran between the 11 stories of the New Bodleian, through the tunnel and up to the top of the north west tower in the Old Bodleian.

New Bodleian underwent an extensive refurbishment from 2010 to 2015 and was renamed the Weston Library.

The conveyor and all of its loading stations were removed during this refurbishment.

The planning application says the tunnel ‘needs to undergo a refurbishment to make it suitable for people to move the books on trolleys as it does not comply with current fire regulations, ventilation and lighting standards’ while the floor covering is deemed unsafe.

The application states: “The tunnel has fire protection at the Weston entrance, but not at the Bodleian end.

“It is proposed to form a fireproof lobby outside the lift which will also act as a refuge area in the event of a fire.”

Improvements to fire detection and alarm system, including a call point in the new refuge area and illuminated ‘do not enter’ signs at both entrances to the tunnel, are part of the application.

Reference: 21/03415/LBC

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• Affordable houses

An application for 14 affordable homes at a former depot site has been submitted.

Eight two-bedroom and six three-bedroom houses are planned for land at Lanham Way in Littlemore.

It is proposed that 11 of the homes will be rented and three shared ownership.

A planning statement reads: “In accordance with national and local planning policy, the development utilises a vacant brownfield site and maximises the overall development area.

“Although not entirely car-free, the proposal has reduced car parking in order to maximise the developable area and encourage future residents to use alternative means of transport.”

Reference: 21/03114/CT3

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• Pub garden alterations

The Duke of Monmouth has applied to remove its smoking shelter, with the formation of a new pergola and three outside booths.

A design and access statement for the Greene King pub in Abingdon Road says: “The proposal does not look to affect the main building but to increase external covered dining space by forming a new covered dining area which will wrap around the rear of the building and into the existing beer garden to the south east side of the premises.

“The existing rear smoking solution will be removed to accommodate the new pergola.

“The garden is to be extended into the current car park, and private heated covered seating booths and additional drinking and dining space, illuminated by festoon lighting.

“The proposal will provide increased year round external drinking and dining facilities for local residents and tourists.

“The scheme looks to improve the accessibility of the garden to disabled customers with increased paved areas.

“The access into the pub itself will not be altered.”

Reference: 21/03118/FUL

For the latest planning applications, visit the Oxford City Council website.