Decision On ‘Super Jail’ Delayed

A decision on if a massive new prison will be built near Market Harborough has been delayed.

The government had been due to make an announcement on the so-called ‘super jail’ plan by early next month, but now won’t until mid-May.

It is understood new material has been submitted to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove, who needs more time to consider it before making the final decision.

The 1700-inmate prison is earmarked for land near HMP Gartree and is opposed by many people living in near-by villages.

A planning inspector made a recommendation to government in January, following a public inquiry last year, after the Ministry of Justice appealed Harborough District Council’s decision to refuse planning permission.

The area where the prison would have been built.  Pic: Andy Carpenter