ANGRY confrontations and furious demonstrations made national headlines as animal rights activists targeted a controversial testing laboratory in Hampshire.

Now the site at Wickham, which came to symbolise everything the protesters hated, is to be demolished and put to a less contentious use as retirement homes for pensioners.

Back in the 1980s and 1990s police were regularly called to Wickham Animal Research Laboratories when demonstrations by anti-vivisectionists threatened workers at the complex.

At the height of their activities, animal rights extremists unleashed firebombs, and arson attacks while up to 50 workers at the labs were sent mousetraps loaded with razor blades through the post.

On some occasions scores of protesters from across the country converged on the laboratories to voice their anger and to march through Wickham.

Now the animal testing site will be redeveloped into homes for the elderly.

Winchester planners granted permission for Wickham Laboratories to be demolished and replaced by 31 retirement flats and communal buildings.

Speaking for developers McCarthy & Stone at a planning committee meeting on June 20, Matthew Shellum said: “Without question the existing collection of buildings are of a temporary nature and detract from the conservation area. We are committed to real positive changes.”

Some residents objected to the proposals, arguing the development would be overbearing on nearby houses.

Councillors were also concerned about the lack of safe crossing over Winchester Road, where residents may go to visit the doctor.

Cllr Mike Read said: “With elderly people you are going to have a much slower passage across a busy road, and a fast road. We have to consider whether an ambulance will be up there regularly, picking up the pieces.”

But Mr Shellum said the developers had taken these concerns to the county council after consulting with the community.

The committee unanimously approved the plans.

Cllr Therese Evans said: “There’s no doubt this is welcome in the village.

This is a definite improvement to what’s there already.”

The approval is subject to developers contributions of £295,000 towards affordable housing and £5,200 for open spaces.