The Bodleian Library, Oxford, has been accused of vandalism over plans to cut a double doorway through its historic Great Gate.
The gate dates from 1610 and overlooks the Bodleian Quad, which would effectively be closed to the public.
If the planning application for a new entrance and visitor centre were approved by Oxford City Council, paying customers would only be able to enter through the Great Gate, with the quad ceasing to be part of the city.
Oxfordshire visitors could apply for passes.
Oxford Preservation Trust secretary Debbie Dance called on Oxford University to clarify details of the plans.
David Sturdy, a former Keeper of Antiquities at the Ashmolean Museum, told city planners that he strongly objected to the proposal to "vandalise the historic fabric of the Bodleian Library".
The library says the doorway is essential to its plans to bring in more paying visitors while keeping tourists away from readers.
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