MoJ Accused Of Preparing To Start Work Building New Prison

Campaigners are accusing the Ministry Of Justice of preparing to build a new prison near Market Harborough when planning permission has not been given.

The government department says it is undertaking ‘surveys’ on land it owns adjacent to Gartree Prison, where the new £300m 1700-inmate jail is proposed for.

It will involve specialist ground-drilling equipment being used and holes and trenches being dug on the site.

A storage compound has been created.

A site compound is being created

Gartree Action Group, which is opposing the jail, have branded the move ‘arrogant’ and a ‘waste of taxpayers money,’ as a planning inspector is yet to recommend whether the prison can be built, following a Public Inquiry, prompted by the MoJ appealing Harborough District Council’s decision to refuse planning permission.

Diana Cook, a member of the group and chair of Lubenham Parish Council, spoke to HFM:

A Minstry of Justice spokesperson told HFM: “In November we informed the residents that, whilst the appeal is ongoing and awaiting determination, we will be undertaking surveys on MoJ-owned land at the site.

“These do not require planning permission.

“We will continue to liaise with our neighbours about works as they progress.”

Harborough District Council did not wish to comment.