Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 11
11
Accepted
Planning permission for Garth prison faces judicial review; HMPPS seeks centralised approvals
Conclusion
HMPPS also acknowledged that while 95% of the remaining places had outline planning permission, permission for one of its new prisons, Garth, is currently under judicial review.35 MoJ and HMPPS explained that they are relying on proposed policy changes to how government approves planning permission through the Crown Development Route to avoid similar delays in the future. They told us that engaging with local communities remained important, but acknowledged that the changes would centralise decision– making, bypassing local planning committees.36
Government Response Summary
The MoJ and HMPPS will seek to secure planning permission through the Crown Development Route, expected to come into force in spring 2025 where appropriate, and notes the revised National Planning Policy Framework places significant weight on new public service infrastructure.
Government Response
Accepted
HM Government
Accepted
2.4 The vast majority of the 20,000 prison place programmes now have planning permission, can proceed under Permitted Development Rights, or do not require planning. For future prison builds, where appropriate, the MoJ and HMPPS will seek to secure planning permission through the Crown Development Route, expected to come into force in spring 2025. 2.5 The revised National Planning Policy Framework makes clear that significant weight should be placed on the importance of new, expanded or upgraded public service infrastructure (such as prisons) when considering development proposals. A strategic approach to achieving Nutrient Neutrality is being developed through the Planning and Infrastructure Bill. These measures provide the MoJ and HMPPS with greater assurance on the feasibility of obtaining planning permissions, reducing the risk of delays to delivery timelines.