Council Delays Decision On Latest ‘Super Prison’ Plan

A decision to approve detailed plans for a giant new prison near Market Harborough has been put on hold.

Councillors voted unanimously to defer the matter at a meeting last night, after hearing concerns from residents over aspects of the layout of the 1,700-imate jail, traffic and access issues, and the boundary fence.

Discussions will now take place with the Ministry of Justice before the plan is considered again, alongside other elements of the development.

Councillor David Gair spoke during the planning committee meeting:

Computerised image of how the prison buildings are likely to look

Outline permission for prison – to be built on land near HMP Gartree – was controversially approved by the government last year.

Campaigners from Gartree Action Group addressed the meeting to express concerns and Cllr Sindy Modha said the council must try to ensure the best outcome for residents living near the site: