A new lab will be built at Oxford Business Park after planners granted permission. 

Applicant Advanced Research Clusters GP (ARC) can proceed with the scheme for plot 5000, for the development in John Smith Drive. 

The lab was one of two permitted by Oxford City Council's planning committee on Tuesday, September 17. 

Plot 5000 includes a total of 147 car parking spaces, five of which are blue badge, as well as 123 cycle parking spaces.

The park, now known as ARC, includes more than 35 science and innovation businesses, covers 88 acres and has more than 3,500 members on campus.

READ MORE: Major redevelopment plans approved near Oxford station

CGI of new lab (Image: Oxford City Council)The planning officers' report explained why the demolition of the previous building was needed.

It said: “Whilst regrettable, demolition is necessary due to the insufficient floor to ceiling heights within the existing building to accommodate laboratories and their mechanical servicing requirements.

"Further, its structural loading is insufficient and incapable of supporting the required equipment and mechanical plant.”

The scheme also includes a waterside garden for public use. 

Planning agent Steven Sensecall said: “This scheme is very exciting, it starts to deliver what we would call the connector which is a cycle and pedestrian route through the site.

"It delivers public realm space with the water garden at the front of the scheme.”

Labour councillor Alex Hollingsworth, cabinet member for business, culture and inclusive economy, said: “The modernisation of this particular site within the broader development of the business park is to be welcomed.”

The proposal was unanimously approved.