Planning Inspectorate approves third Grendon prison
The facility is expected to house around 1,468 inmates
Local MP's and Council's have voiced their disappointment following plans for a third prison near Aylesbury being approved by the Planning Inspectorate.
The Category C prison would be built on land adjacent to HMP Grendon and HMP Springhill at Grendon Underwood.
In March 2022, the Strategic Sites Committee at Buckinghamshire Council voted unanimously to refuse the plans, and say they still stand by their reasons.
Locals also voiced concerns for the facility that would house 1,468 inmates, with over 470 objections received by residents and parish councils in 2022.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) say that the development is vital in "delivering the 20,000 extra places we need to keep dangerous offenders off the streets and protect the public" and say the addition of the prison will benefit the local economy and create jobs.
However, many opposed to the plans in 2022 still have frustrations with the plans for the prison.
Buckingham MP Greg Smith, posted on X, formally Twitter, to voice his opinions on the decision, calling it "utterly devastating and preposterous".
The MP goes on to say he will be meeting with parishes on Friday to discuss their next steps and the possibility of taking the dispute to the High Court.
Following the news from the Planning Inspectorate, Buckinghamshire Council have also released a statement, reflecting their concerns about the decision for the land and its future plans.
"we remain adamant that this is the wrong location for this facility."
The Council feel the choice of land, being rural with a historic landscape, is among the reasons its not suitable - as well as not easily accessible for families to access the facility to visit the inmates.
**Councillor Peter Strachan, Buckinghamshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration said:**
“This decision is desperately disappointing and is another kick in the teeth for local people already blighted by HS2 and East West Rail construction works in this area. While we understand the need for more prison places nationally, we remain adamant that this is the wrong location for this facility. This is a rural location, which takes in an historic landscape and it will not be easy for families to access the facility to visit inmates.
"The council’s Strategic Sites Committee unanimously refused planning permission for the prison back in March 2022 and we stand by the reasons for that decision; the committee felt that the combined effects on the local area in terms of sustainability, heritage and the environment would have an overriding negative impact. There was also a feeling that not enough consideration has been given to alternative sites which could be more suitable for such a facility.
"It is therefore disappointing to receive news that the appeal against our decision has been upheld. We are in the process of digesting the decision letter in full before determining any next steps”
## What does the Ministry of Justice say?
Despite [concerns by the public and local Council back in 2022](https://planetradio.co.uk/greatest-hits/beds-bucks-herts/news/bucks-council-rejects-plans-for-mega-prison-at-grendon-underwood/){:target=_blank}, the Planning Inspectorate has still decided to approve the plans for the prison, which the Ministry of Justice says will play a big part in local economy.
"we will work closely with the community to ensure they reap the benefits from the new development"
**The full statement, from a Spokesperson for the Ministry of Justice, said:**
“Today’s decision is critical to delivering the 20,000 extra places we need to keep dangerous offenders off the streets and protect the public.
“Our plans will boost the local economy with hundreds of new jobs and we will work closely with the community to ensure they reap the benefits from the new development.”
The MoJ state that benefits for the local economy from prisons include new jobs, as well as working towards net zero targets for 2050.
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