New jail planned for village

A new prison to hold 1,000 inmates could be built in Featherstone, alongside an existing facility, council bosses have revealed.

At the moment plans for the new building are shrouded in secrecy - but the news has been enough to spark unrest among some villagers who say the area already puts up with enough from the existing jail. If the controversial plan does get the go-ahead from South Staffordshire Council it would nearly double the prison population in Featherstone.

The council says it expects an application for the giant prison, to be built on the former Royal Ordnance Factory site - directly south of the current prison - to be submitted shortly.

Featherstone Prison, off New Road, already holds more than 600 inmates, next door to that is the Brinsford Young Offenders Institution which holds nearly 500.The plans for the new facility have been revealed as part of evidence put forward to a planning inquiry considering whether a park and ride scheme and 1,000 new homes should be built in the village.

In written evidence submitted to the hearing, South Staffordshire Council planner Andrew Johnson said: "The council understands that 13.1 hectares of the former Royal Ordnance Factory site has been sold by BAE systems to HM Prison Service.

"The council anticipates receipt of an application for a new prison with 1,000 place capacity shortly," he added.

Parish councillor John Brindle said: "I would be very concerned about this, it would be very controversial. Most people are of the opinion that enough is enough."

The Ministry of Justice will not confirm the proposals but did point to plans to increase the number of prison places around the country.

A spokesman said: "Decisions on the location and function of the new places will be determined by greatest need.

"Where possible, new capacity will be provided in areas of highest demand. Specific sites are still subject to acquisition and planning consent."