Major new plans to build an industrial estate and data centre at a former quarry in Oxfordshire are under review.
De Montalt Life Sciences want to build BioGenia, a new life science park, at Wicklesham Quarry in Faringdon.
The significant science and technology campus would feature seven 25m-high (82ft) buildings, a data centre and two multi-story car parks.
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Spencer Cooper of De Montalt Life Sciences said the site, which is adjacent to the A420, was ‘perfect’ for the development, which would span 42,286sqm.
He said: “The application will deliver a completely new build campus, in a unique setting, able to provide new capacity for, and embrace the evolving accommodation models of, emerging companies in this rapidly growing sector.
“It is close to Oxford, has excellent road communications, a good choice and supply of relatively affordable housing compared to Oxford, which our agents advise is a key issue for scientists and researchers working in the city. It also has easy access to various airports.
“The quarry walls that surround BioGenia are of special archaeological and ecological value and by incorporating these protected features within a landscaped setting , we create a unique, extremely attractive, vibrant and sustainable environment which we are sure will attract occupiers in this exciting and dynamic sector.
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“We are confident that this will provide future occupiers with an environment that will be conducive towards groundbreaking research and advancements in the Life Science/ Biotech and Knowledge economy fields.
“We will further bolster the green credentials of the development by providing new sustainable linkages to the residential areas close by so future workers can cycle and walk to work.
“We have already had strong interest in BioGenia and we are confident that once planning permission is secured, we can move quickly to bring the scheme to fruition, helping to position the UK at the forefront of these emerging sectors.”
But some have criticised the plans.
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Anna Hoare, whose petition against the site being developed has received almost 2,000 signatures, said: “This industrial monster would loom over views towards Faringdon from the footpaths, public bridleway, and houses alongside Wicklesham Quarry, virtually obliterating them, and would dominate views from Folly Hill and Galley Hill, our most important viewing points and amenity areas.
“At 25 metres high, and covering almost 29 acres, the seven four storey structures are many times bigger (in mass) and taller than any existing buildings in Faringdon, and would completely destroy the town’s landscape setting and rural character, creating a massive industrial overspill into open countryside.”
A planning application for the development has been submitted to Vale of White Horse District Council by the company, which is based in Bath.
A consultation ends on 27 July and a decision is set to be given by 21 September.
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