Not great news this week for the Bodleian Library which has had its plans to build a new book depository rejected.

Back in September I originally blogged on how the eminent, ancient and utterly congested library got the thumbs up to build a new state of the art site near the city centre. It is intended to house 8 million books and will relive pressure on the library currently operating at 130% capacity and adding an additional 5,000 books per week.

The reasons for rejection from the local council were based on concerns of how the new repository would affect the city’s attractive skyline, the second that the site was on a flood plain.

Dr Sarah Thomas, Bodleian chief said “We worked with the Environment Agency, English Heritage and the city, and ultimately a solution will present itself”.  Local paper the Oxford Mail also reported that Thomas said it was too early to consider an appeal or alternative locations for the new building.

One thing that is not going to go away is the urgent need for a safe, secure, space. How long will it take until the library’s seams start to burst?