Oxford library inquiry under way

Critics claimed the new book store would ruin the view of Oxford

A public inquiry has started into the future of Oxford University's world-famous Bodleian Library.

The university wants to build a £29m book depository at Osney Mead to house eight million books.

The proposal was originally agreed by councillors in a narrow vote last year, but it was put on hold when critics said it would ruin Oxford's skyline.

Councillors later shelved the plans in a re-vote, prompting the university to appeal and an inquiry to be held.

The library, which has a copy of almost every book printed, is full and the university has said it needs space to expand.

An extra 5,000 books are added to its catalogue each week.

The Bodleian is the main research library for the University of Oxford and occupies several sites around the city.

Its treasures include 10,000 medieval manuscripts, the papers of six prime ministers and the manuscripts of literary classics such as The Wind in the Willows.

Critics of the new building have said the city's famous "dreaming spires" skyline would be ruined.

They also argue its proposed location would harm a "sensitive" flood plain in the green belt area around Oxford.