Deputy Prime Minister Approves Prison Project Despite Council Rejection and Inspector’s Recommendation

Plans for a facility referred to as a “super prison” have received approval from the deputy prime minister, three years after the local council initially rejected the application. This correctional institution is designed to accommodate 1,700 inmates and is slated for construction on green belt land situated on the boundary of Chorley and Leyland, in proximity to HMP Garth and HMP Wymott. Chorley Council had previously rejected the application for the Ulnes Walton jail, citing concerns that the number of inmates in the vicinity would surpass the population of residents in the nearest village. Furthermore, the planning inspector had advised that an appeal against the authority’s decision should be dismissed. However, Angela Rayner, serving as the Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, determined that the identified harms would “clearly be outweighed by the benefits.” Her conclusion was that “very special circumstances exist which justify approval” and that “material considerations justify a decision other than in line with the development plan.” She emphasized the “need for the development,” along with the advantages linked to a contemporary prison facility and the economic advantages projected by the plan. The Ulnes Walton Action Group, a campaign organization actively opposing the prison plans, expressed its “disappointed” reaction to the decision. The decision is subject to challenge within a six-week period by seeking permission from the High Court to initiate a statutory review.