MP is calling for urgent rethink on super-prison
AN MP has called for an urgent rethink on plans to build a superprison near Market Harborough.
Neil O’Brien, who represents the Harborough constituency, spoke out against the proposals in the House of Commons.
The Ministry of Justice has appealed against Harborough District Council’s refusal of planning permission for the prison, next to HMP Gartree.
He said: “The Ministry of Justice wants to build a large new prison in the Harborough constituency, and they want to do it on a beautiful piece of open land between Lubenham and Foxton.
“This is completely the wrong place to build a prison.
“It will force more traffic on to some very narrow country lanes, including in front of a rural primary school. This is also an issue of democracy because Harborough District Council has clearly voted against the prison proposal, because it was not in its local plan.
“I asked the Ministry of Justice not to appeal that decision but, unfortunately, they have – as they have in other locations.
“I am in favour of new prisons – we need new prisons because we need longer prison sentences.
“But this is not the right location and there must be a better brownfield location for this new prison.
“So can we please have a new debate on the new prisons programme because I know this issue is also occurring elsewhere.”
Mr O’Neil was told his points would be raised with Secretary of State for Justice, Dominic Raab.
He was advised he would receive a reply by letter.
When the plans were rejected by the planning committee in April, councillors argued the district’s local plan should not be overruled by the national need for more prison spaces.
A public inquiry is set to be held before the Planning Inspectorate makes it decision.
No date for the inquiry is set, according to the Harborough District Council planning portal. Members of the public will be notified four to six weeks before.
Comments can be made by sending three copies of a letter to the Planning Inspectorate, Room 3/09, Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Temple Quay, Bristol, BS1 6PN quoting appeal reference APP/F2415/W/22/3300227 or online.
They should be received before August 1.
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