A LABORATORY that will use monkeys to study brain diseases was approved by the Deputy Prime Minister yesterday.

John Prescott agreed to grant planning permission to Cambridge University because of the research centre’s national importance, overturning the verdict of South Cambridgeshire District Council and the advice of his own planning inspector.

The decision was welcomed by scientists and patient groups which said that the £24-million centre for behavioural neuroscience would advance research into conditions such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s and stroke.

They also commended the Government for sending an unequivocal message of support to researchers who perform essential medical experiments involving animals and who are often the target of violence and abuse from anti-vivisection campaigners.

Animal welfare groups were angered by the ruling, and pledged to escalate their protests against the centre, which may not be built for some time because of funding problems.

Many councillors, residents and senior police officers opposed the scheme because they feared that it would attract violent demonstrations.

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