Animal testing lab sees bid to move rejected
A controversial animal testing laboratory has lost a planning appeal that would have seen it move into a huge new headquarters.
Wickham Laboratories had been hoping to build a new facility in Lower Upham in the Meon Valley.
But planning inspector Jonathan King has rejected lab owner William Cartmell's appeal for the massive office and laboratory complex at Torbay Farm.
The plans for the main building - which would have been 50m by 30m - had been turned down by Winchester City Council.
Inspector Mr King agreed with the council, saying the building was 'uncharacteristic of the area'.
Veteran animal rights campaigner Helen Nelson, dubbed 'the granarchist' for her activities, said: 'We are absolutely delighted - this is what we've said all along, that it was in the wrong place.
'He's gone over the top and gone for something enormous.
'We're going to have a party to celebrate because that's got to be the end of the road for that site, surely?
'We will be watching his next move carefully.'
Jeanette McClunan, of Stop Wickham Animal Testing, added: 'We would like to thank the residents of Lower Upham because they have worked so hard against this and helped to gain this decision.
'There is the possibility they will be looking for other premises to move to, but that won't be easy for them.
'We will be watching closely and we'll keep up our campaign in Wickham.'
It is a major blow to Mr Cartmell's long-held plans to leave the site in Winchester Road, Wickham.
He has previously made applications to build 14 houses on the labs' current site.
Chris Bishop, technical director at the lab, said they were 'extremely disappointed' in losing the planning appeal and had been 'keen to move on after several years'.
He added: 'Whilst we understand many of the concerns of local residents we hoped to allay those and be a positive influence in the village.'
>> Vote in our latest web poll.
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Portsmouth
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 25 C
Wind Speed: 22 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 23 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: East
