Campaigners Celebrate After New Prison Plan Rejected

Campaigners are celebrating after plans for a giant new prison near Market Harborough were rejected.

Councillors last night voted unanimously to refuse planning permission for the 1700-inmate jail, earmarked for land next to Gartree Prison.

They ruled it would have a harmful impact on the countryside and went against Harborough District Council’s Local Plan and Lubenham Parish Council’s Neighbourhood Plan.

Residents opposed to the prison also feared traffic problems, with over 700 staff to have been employed there.

Members of the planing committee went against the recommendation of council officers to refuse the application.

Diana Cook, Chairman of Lubenham Parish Council, gave her reaction to Hfm:

Over 360 objections to the plan were submitted and campaigners held a protest outside the council offices prior to last night’s meeting.

Francesca Broadfoot was another resident who campaigned against the prison:

Cllr Phil Knowles spoke against the plan at last night’s meeting and to Hfm today:

Officials from the Ministry of Justice, who submitted the plan for new prison, say there are now considering ‘next steps’.

That could include lodging an appeal against the decision, meaning an independent planning inspector would review it.

Cllr Phil King, Leader of Harborough District Council, spoke to Hfm:

 

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson told Hfm: “Our aim is to support the local area and economy by creating hundreds of new jobs and keeping streets safe. We note the decision and will consider our next steps.”