Under the proposals, Oxford University’s Department of Physiology and Genetics will have its third floor of the refurbished and a new academic hub will be created, allowing for “flexible seminar and innovation space, open laboratories, support space and research offices”.
Part of the third floor will also be demolished and replaced by a new rooftop extension, and new windows will be added.
A new plant room enclosure will be added, and an external terrace will be added at fourth floor level.
The department is in the Sherrington Building, which lies on Sherrington Road and is accessible from Parks Road.
The application, which was made by the chancellor, masters and scholars of the university, was discussed at the Oxford City Council meeting on Tuesday, December 10.
(Image: Oxford City Council) Planning officers recommended to approve planning permission for the building.
Speaking in support of the proposal, Sally Vine, head of administration and finance at the Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Genetics, said: “These proposals are so exciting for us in the department, as they would allow Sherrington to sustain and support our science for another generation.
“There’s an urgent need to renovate and modernise the Sherrington building.
“It is in a critical state of disrepair, unfit in many areas for modern science, and prevents us from recruiting senior scientists due to the lack of suitable accommodation and sufficient infrastructure.
“The mechanical, electrical and ventilation are in a dangerously poor state and there are multiple leaks in the roof.
“Approximately 25 per cent of the main central part of the building is derelict and has been vacant for more than 20 years.
“The proposals would return the building to a state that is suitable for modern and would greatly improve the environmental performance of the building.
She added that the department considered and dismissed plans to demolish the entire building and replace it.
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Councillor Nigel Chapman said: “There’s no point having a third of the building unusable for great long periods of time and then damaging the rest of the building, so it makes sense to do this refurbishment.”
Councillor Louise Upton said: “Having occasionally been in the rooms on the top floor of that building that were basically shacks, actually having them converted into usable, insulated rooms is a major step forward.
“I always find it bizarre that there have been Nobel prize winners working in this building and bits of it are almost shack-like, so it’s great to see it being refurbished.”
Councillors voted unanimously in support of the proposal.
The plans did not receive any objections or letters of support from the general public.