Three offices to be demolished for new laboratories

Two of the three offices are currently empty and another is partially used as a driving test centre

Three 1980s office buildings will be demolished to make way for new life science laboratories.

The plans by Sackville UK Property Select III (GP) No.3 Ltd. would see office buildings at Brookmount Court, Kirkwood Road, Cambridge, demolished to rebuild a four-storey research and development building.

Cambridge city councillors unanimously backed the proposals at a planning committee meeting on 24 April.

A representative from the developers said: "We believe [the development] will positively supplement and enhance the northern cluster, which was started nearly 60 years ago."

Developers have considered the sustainability of the buildings and included solar panels on the roof

They added: "It is well documented that the UK has a shortage of laboratory space, Cambridge is no different, given the lack of equilibrium presently between supply and demand new laboratories are therefore critical infrastructure for the city’s ecosystem."

Sustainability had been a "cornerstone" of the building's design with plans for solar panels to be installed on the roof, rain water to be harvested and the use of "frugal appliances" to help with water conservation.

During the meeting, planning officers said two of the buildings had been left empty since 2018 and the third was only partially occupied by a driving test centre.

The planning application was approved by all committee councillors.