Detailed Plans For ‘Super-Prison’ Recommended For Approval

Detailed plans for a new ‘super-prison’ near Market Harborough are being recommended for approval.

The layout of the 1,700 inmate jail to be built on land near HMP Gartree, together with its appearance and other associated infrastructure will be considered by councillors next week.

Computerised image of how the prison buildings are likely to look

Plans for the new prison were met with fierce opposition and an outline plan for the scheme, seeking permission for it in principle, was unanimously rejected by Harborough District Council’s planning committee in April 2022.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) appealed and, after a series of delays, approval was given by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, Michael Gove last year.

Planning officers are recommending approval of the detailed plans, although safety concerns have been expressed by campaigners, including the fact vehicular access to the jail will be off residential street Welland Avenue and no improvements are planned for near-by Gallow Field Road.

Diana Cook from Gartree Action Group spoke to HFM:

How the design of the new prison will look

Given the principle of the scheme has already been approved on the site, councillors will not be able to oppose the application on the grounds of location.

In the application, the MoJ said: “Careful consideration has been paid to the privacy of surrounding residents as well as the integration and improvement of the local environment.

“These proposals represent a modern prison development, which has been designed to be more rehabilitative to prisoners with practical activities to foster new skills.

“The working environment for staff is important, along with creating a more welcoming experience to visitors, whilst being considerate to the neighbours and the wider surrounding area.”