Anglia Ruskin University gains permission for new film and TV building at Cambridge campus

Anglia Ruskin University has been given permission to build a new film and TV building at its Cambridge campus.

Cambridge City Council approved plans to build the facility and to make upgrades and alterations to other buildings, despite 87 objections being lodged.

The university leadership said the new film and TV facility reinforced their commitment to the arts and creative sector.

Many of the concerns raised by people centred around the potential for the changes to increase what they referred to as an “ongoing noise issue”.

But planning officers at the city council said the proposals had been examined by the environmental health team, who noted that the rooftop plant had been removed from the top of the Ruskin building, which was the primary concern for local residents.

The team was satisfied that the noise generated by the plant equipment could be “successfully mitigated” through conditions being imposed on the university.

James Rolfe, chief operating officer at Anglia Ruskin University, told a planning committee on Wednesday (24 July) that he believed the proposals put forward would “enhance” and improve the appearance of the university campus in East Road.

He said while other universities were reducing or closing art and creative industry offerings, this project “reinforces” Anglian Ruskin’s support for the field.

The application sought permission to demolish the Webb building, build a new film and TV building, remove an annexe and alter the Coslett and Ruskin buildings, including installing new facades on the former, plus photovoltaic panels, air source heat pumps and plant.

The media building will be three storeys - about 15m - tall and planning officers said the changes would “create a better sense of place via the improvements at the access via McKenzie Road and within the central courtyard”.

The changes are not due to increase the number of students at ARU, but they will lead to an overall increase of 32 parking spaces.

Cllr Katie Thornburrow (Lab, Petersfield) said councillors were “really proud” to have the university in the city.

Councillors voted in favour of the plans.