Plan To Expand Gartree Prison Moves Forward

The plan to expand Gartree Prison has moved forward after the Ministry of Justice submitted a planning application.

It means people can now make comments on the proposal for a new four-storey housing block, which would accommodate 247 extra male prisoners, taking the jail’s capacity to around 900.

The proposal also includes extending the staff car park and making changes within the existing prison.

Around 100 extra workers would be employed if the plan is approved by Harborough District Council.

The MoJ says it has taken on-board comments raised by local residents during public consultation into the plan, including pledging to protect green spaces at the front of the prison.

The proposal is separate to the plan for a brand new prison on land near the existing jail, which is subject to a separate planning application, still to be considered.

HMP Gartree