New prison planned for Buckinghamshire
1,440 inmates could be based on the same site as Grendon Underwood and Springhill
A new prison could be built in Buckinghamshire - right next to two others.
The Ministry of Justice says the Category C jail would house 1,440 prisoners, across six blocks, on the site where Grendon Underwood and Springhill are.
Up to 600 new jobs could be created, according to the MoJ.
Lucy Frazer QC MP, Minister of State for Prisons and Probation, said:
"In line with Government policy announced by the Prime Minister last summer and at the recent Spending Review, the Ministry of Justice and HM Prison and Probation Service are taking forward plans to create at least 18,000 additional prison places across the prison estate.
"We are working towards delivering these additional places over the next six years and we will do this through a combination of new builds, as proposed here in Buckinghamshire, as well as extending, refurbishing and maintaining the existing estate."
Promises of an innovative design
This will be one of four new prisons set to be built in the coming years.
The MoJ say they have learnt from previous projects and are aiming to build facilities which better meet the needs of prisoners and staff.
The proposals say:
"Importantly, the area of woodland to the west of the site will be retained, and the trees and hedgerows on the existing boundary of the existing prison estate will be also retained.
"Together, we believe that our plans will be suitably screened from existing residents, and long distant views of the site will be limited by existing hedgerows and trees.
"Our innovative new design also means that a new prison here will be very sustainable.
"During construction, we will also deliver a comprehensive set of social and community benefits that will help support both the local and regional economy."
A chance to have a say
You can view more on the proposals and have your say by Christmas Eve by clicking here.