Opposition Mounts Against New Prison Plan
Written by HFM News on 5th October 2021
Opposition is mounting against plans for a massive new prison near Market Harborough.
Concerns include the impact on traffic and the development being an eye-sore in the open countryside.
The Ministry of Justice submitted a planning application last month to build the new 1700 inmate jail on land adjacent to HMP Gartree, which would create around 600 jobs.
People living in Gartree, Foxton and Lubenham are among those to register objections with Harborough District Council, who will consider the plan.
Mark Fairhurst, Chairman of the Prisoners Officers’ Association, told Hfm people have the right to be concerned:
The area earmarked for the new prison. Pic: Andy Carpenter
The Ministry of Justice says it listened to concerns raised, including in relation to traffic and road safety, during a public consultation into the plan and will work to mitigate them.
A spokesman said: “We will continue to work with the local community to ensure the social and economic benefits we believe a new prison will bring to the area is felt by local residents and to minimise any disruption.”
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