Plans for a new knowledge and research innovation campus at Lancaster University have been passed unanimously.
Lancaster City Council granted outline planning permission for the new centre on Sir John Fisher Drive at the university.
The new 25,000 square metre space would be close to the existing Health Innovation One building which opened in 2020.
In 2009 (renewed in 2013 and 2016), the university was granted permission to build a science park, but planning permission had expired without the full work being completed.
The new facility would also include a maximum of 384 car parking spaces.
Councillors on the Lancaster City Council planning regulatory committee voted unanimously on Monday to grant planning permission.
Earlier, Hannah Blunstone, an agent speaking on behalf of the university, said the facility would "support knowledge and research-based businesses", that the decision would "allow for future phases" to be built and that it would be a "strategically important employment site".
Paul Holland, chair of Scotforth Parish Council, also spoke at the meeting.
He asked that the committee include a condition to plant semi-mature trees in the north east corner of the site, within 12 months of the date of permission, to provide early screening protection and improve biodiversity in the area.
The councillors agreed to include a comment asking for this to be considered, as part of their decision.
A council report published prior to the meeting, recommending the plans be approved, said: "The proposal has the potential to deliver regionally important employment development, working symbiotically with the adjacent Lancaster University to deliver substantial economic and social benefits of such employment provision."
Councillors Thornberry, Belcher, Dennison, Redfern, Hanson, Otway, Newton, Livermore, Lenox, Gawith, Greenwell, Sommerville, Mills, Tynan and Fish all voted in favour of the scheme, in a unanimous vote.
The meeting was held at Morecambe Town Hall.
As well as housing the Lancaster Medical School, Health Innovation One is home to the University’s Division of Health Research, as well as a co-location space for partner organisations and event/meeting facilities.
It provides a collaborative space where the University and external partners (including NHS, commercial businesses and the local population) can tackle the wider determinants of health, leading to long-term reductions in NHS pressures by helping people live healthier lives and take a personal interest in their own health outcomes.
Read more: Plans to finish science park at Lancaster University take step forward - Beyond Radio
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