Government Gives Go-Ahead For ‘Super Prison’ Near Market Harborough
Written by HFM News on 15th November 2023
The government has given the go-ahead for a massive new prison to be built near Market Harborough.
Secretary of State Michael Gove has granted planning permission today, overruling an planning inspector who recommended he refused the plan for the 1,700-inmate jail.
The so-called ‘super prison’ will cost around £300m and is set to be built on land adjacent to HMP Gartree.
The plan has faced mass opposition and was refused by Harborough District Council last year, because of the harmful affect it would have on the countryside location.
The Ministry of Justice then appealed the decision and a Public Inquiry was held.
Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of the Council, has given his reaction to HFM:
The area where the prison would have been built. Pic: Andy Carpenter
Harborough MP Neil O’Brien, who campaigned against the prison being built, said: “I have done everything I can to stop this. I campaigned against it from the start.
“I gave evidence ahead of the hearing, I spoke against it in person at the appeal hearing, and I have submitted more evidence against it since, which led to a series of reconsiderations.
“While we do need more prison space so that criminals can get the longer sentences they deserve, I think this is the wrong place to put this prison, and there would be many better sites.
“Having done everything I can to stop this, the only thing I can see that might now stop this would be for the council to launch a judicial review of this decision.
“I’m happy to work with them to see if there is anything further we can do.”
A spokesperson for Harborough District Council said: “The council acknowledges the decision of the Secretary of State.
“It is disappointing that Harborough District Council’s locally-taken decision to refuse permission has been overturned by Government allowing the planning appeal.
“We shall read the decision letter carefully to understand reasons for allowing the appeal, and how impact from the development is to be mitigated locally.”
