Jail Bosses Push Ahead With Expansion Plan For Gartree Prison

The Ministry Of Justice is pushing ahead with plans to expand Gartree Prison.

Officials have confirmed they will be lodging a planning application to build a new four-storey housing block, to accommodate 247 extra male prisoners, taking the capacity to around 900 inmates.

It follows a period of public consultation, including virtual meetings with people who live near the prison.

The MoJ says it has taken on-board comments raised by local residents, including protecting green spaces at the front of the prison and ensuring adequate parking provision, with around 100 extra staff to be employed if the plan is approved.

In a letter to residents, it also say it is in the process of reviewing options to mitigate the impact of traffic, including by reviewing signage.

The plan is separate to the proposal for a brand new prison on land near the existing jail, which is subject to a separate planning application still to be considered.

HMP Gartree