The Centre for Behavioural Neuroscience is planned to be the biggest of its kind in Europe. It will be used to carry out research into diseases and disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease, drug addiction, autism and schizophrenia.

However, the techniques which may be used for the research have alarmed animal rights activists. These could include invasive surgery to explore the biology of the primate brain.

The animals used will be mainly marmosets and macaques. The Home Office has banned the use of larger primates such as chimpanzees and gorillas.

The scheme was rejected twice by South Cambridgeshire district council but the university lodged an appeal which would normally be determined by government planning inspectors.

Prescott has now said that he will make the decision himself, probably in the next fortnight, angering animal welfare campaigners who believe ministers are biased in favour of research on animals.

Prescott, it is claimed by critics of the laboratory, may also have a potential conflict of interest as Sainsbury is a leading donor to the Labour party, having contributed more than £11m in the past 10 years.

Norman Baker, environment spokesman for the Liberal Democrats, said: “I have written to (Prescott) asking him to explain exactly the reasons for his decision and whether he came under any pressure from Sainsbury or Tony Blair.”

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