Campaigners Re-Start Fight As MoJ Launch Appeal Against Refusal Of ‘Super Prison’ Plan
Written by HFM News on 18th May 2022
Campaigners are to re-start their fight against the building of a massive new prison near Market Harborough.
It comes after the Ministry of Justice announced is to launch an appeal against the decision to refuse permission for the 1700-inmate ‘Super Prison’ being built near HMP Gartree.
An independent planning inspector will now review and could overturn Harborough District Council’s decision.
Councillors last month unanimously voted to turn down the plan, because of the impact the prison would have had on the countryside.
The plan also went against both the council’s Local Plan and Lubenham Parish Council’s Neighbourhood Plan.
Diana Cook, Chairman of Lubenham Parish Council, spoke to Hfm:
Campaigners held a protest before last month’s planning meeting Pic: Andy Carpenter
There was a big campaign against the building of the new prison, with over 360 people lodging objections against it.
Cllr Phil Knowles, Leader of the Opposition at the District Council, spoke to Hfm:
The impact of traffic on local roads, with around 600 staff to be employed at the jail, was one of the main concerns of campaigners.
Cllr Paul Bremner, Ward Councillor for the area where the prison would be built, gave his reaction to the appeal:
The area where the prison would have been built. Pic: Andy Carpenter
Harborough MP Neil O’Brien told Hfm: “In my role as a Minister I have to recuse myself and not get involved in planning decision-making concerning planning applications within my constituency.
“But speaking as the member of Parliament for Harborough I am disappointed by the Ministry of Justice decision to appeal the council’s decision and fully support the council in refusing planning permission.”
Cllr Jonathan Bateman, Harborough District Councils Cabinet lead for planning, said: “We received, on 17 May 2022, a pre-notification on behalf of the Ministry of Justice of its intention to submit an appeal against its refusal of planning permission for a new prison at Gartree. The notification states the appeal is likely to be submitted on 31 May 2022. The Council will participate in the appeal which is expected to be decided later this year by a Government Planning Inspector. Once we know more, we will confirm how the public can make representations.”
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “After careful consideration we are appealing the decision to refuse planning permission.
“We will continue to work closely with Harborough District Council and the local community on our proposals.”
