HMP Gartree: Controversial prison plans set for approval

The Ministry of Justice said the prison would provide a jobs boost locally

Further plans for a controversial new prison next to HMP Gartree in Leicestershire have been recommended for approval.

The 1,700-capacity jail was given the go-ahead in November when the government overruled a decision by Harborough District Council to refuse planning permission.

Now the council's planning committee is being asked to approve the final layout and appearance of the site.

A meeting will take place on Tuesday.

The original plan for the new category B prison was rejected in 2022, when councillors voted unanimously to reject the application, against planning officers' advice.

Residents had campaigned against the Ministry of Justice (MoJ) scheme.

However, the scheme was later approved by the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove, who ignored the advice of the government's own planning inspector, the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) said.

'Carefully considered'

Mr Gove said he accepted the evidence put forward by the MoJ, which showed "a significant unmet need" for prison places.

The LDRS said residents had written to planning officers expressing concern their homes would be overlooked by cells.

Concerns have also been raised about access to the new site.

Latest planning documents state there will be 14 buildings within the main prison, in a landscaped setting.

The accommodation buildings will be four storeys high, and "over 100m" away from the nearest home, they add.

Council planning officers have recommended councillors approve the scheme on Tuesday.

The MoJ said: "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."