Residents Raise Concerns About Prison Expansion Plan
Written by HFM News on 4th November 2021
Residents living near Gartree Prison have raised concerns about the plan to expand the jail.
A virtual meeting was held last night by the Ministry Of Justice, who are proposing building a new four-storey prison block, to accommodate an additional 247 male prisoners.
People living near to the prison in Gartree spoke to the proximity of new block to their homes and potential noise disruption and fears of an increase in ‘throw-overs’, where people throw prohibited items over the prison wall.
They also raised concerns about the impact of increased traffic on near-by roads, with 100 extra staff set to be employed if the plan goes ahead, in addition to 600 staff who would work at a new prison, which is proposed for land near the existing jail and is subject to a separate planning application.
HMP Gartree
The on-line meeting was part of on-going consultation by the MoJ into the prison expansion, before it decides whether or not to submit a planning application.
Cllr Paul Bremner, who represents the Lubenham Ward on Harborough District Council, told Hfm there are currently no plans to improve roads in the area as part of either plan:
A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “We want to hear the views of the local community before we consider submitting a planning application, and welcome their comments.
“No final decisions have been made.”
