Plans for super jail for 1,000 men approved

CONTROVERSIAL plans to build a new £91m super-size prison near York have been approved today despite opposition from residents and three parish and town councils.
Artist's impression of new jail at Full SuttonArtist's impression of new jail at Full Sutton
Artist's impression of new jail at Full Sutton

The new jail for 1,000 men will be built on land next to HMP Full Sutton, one of four new developments announced by Justice Secretary Liz Truss as part of plans to reform the crisis-hit jail system.

The outline planning application for the Category C jail was approved by East Riding councillors this afternoon.

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Ward councillor for Pocklington Provincial Coun Andy Strangeway - who can see the jail from his house - said he couldn’t see any reason for refusal.

Plans for a new jail were approved todayPlans for a new jail were approved today
Plans for a new jail were approved today

However he said there were still question-marks over the plans, which will have to come back to the committee for final sign off.

He added: “I believe there are going to be a lot of conditions attached to the application and I believe there needs to be.”

It could spell good news for the local economy, with plans to employ more than 500 staff at the jail.

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Of them 275 are expected to come from the local area. Another 115 jobs could be created indirectly through the jail purchasing goods and services.

Plans for a new jail were approved todayPlans for a new jail were approved today
Plans for a new jail were approved today

However local residents have cited concerns over a lack of infrastructure, transport networks, and harm to the area.

Speaking last week resident Rupert Towers said; “This is for over 1,000 prisoners from all over the country.

“We’re a village that doesn’t even have a shop. We’ve got two buses a day. It’s just not feasible. This is a very rural village. It would completely destroy it.”