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07

Feb 2022

Last Updated: 07/02/2022
Business
Business

Harrogate animal testing company expansion plans approved

by Calvin Robinson

| 07 Feb, 2022
Comment

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Labcorp Drug Development, previously called Covance, conducts tests on various animals, including dogs and mice. It has bought six vacant buildings for expansion.

labcorpbuildingssized
The six buildings which Labcorp intends to refurbish as part of its proposals to Harrogate Borough Council.

Plans to expand a controversial animal testing company in Harrogate have been given the go-ahead.

Labcorp Drug Development, which was previously called Covance and is based on Otley Road, conducts tests on various animals, including dogs and mice.

It lodged plans to refurbish and expand its site after purchasing six vacant buildings.

The company bought the former Nidec SR Drives offices, known as East Park House, in December 2020 for £2.45 million, according to HM Land Registry documents.

Now, Harrogate Borough Council has approved the proposal for the expansion.

Under plans submitted to the council, the firm will refurbish and extend the former Nidec offices.

A new entrance will be created, and the ground and first floors will be reconfigured. A one-way system to access the car park will also be built to reduce “traffic complications” on nearby Otley Road.

The proposed visual of East Park House, as submitted by Labcorp.



Labcorp also intends to refurbish five other buildings on the site to create office space, extensions for “new plant requirements” and further car parking and cycle space.

Rebecca Micallef, the authority’s economic and transport officer, said in response to a consultation on the plans that the economic development team were supportive of the expansion.

She said:

“This proposal will enable expansion of the business within its current location and promote the adaptation, refurbishment and reuse of a currently vacant commercial property. The proposed capital investment from a foreign company is particularly welcomed during this time of economic uncertainty caused by covid and Brexit.
“The proposed expansion and development will support Labcorp’s future within the Harrogate district and secure additional high level, high paid skilled jobs, directly supporting the aims of our economic growth strategy.”


Labcorp said in documents submitted to the council that the plans will help to “ensure the continued life” of property on the site.



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Animal testing in Harrogate has proved controversial and protests frequently take place outside Labcrop.

In October, Cllr Victoria Oldham, Conservative councillor for Washburn on the borough council, called for a moratorium on animal testing in the district.

However, this was turned down. Cllr Graham Swift, cabinet member for economic development, said in response:

“I don’t like and I don’t want medicines tested on animals. But the law insists medicines are tested on animals prior to being tested on humans and prior to being used as medicines.”


Cllr Swift added that about a third of Labcorp’s 4,000 UK staff were based in Harrogate, which was “great for the economy”.

Meanwhile, Andrew Jones, the Conservative MP for Harrogate and Knaresborough, has lobbied government to help the company expand.