Lancashire prison inquiry opens

An eight-day inquiry opened yesterday into the Ministry of Justice’s proposals for the development of a new prison, accommodating 1,715 prisoners, in the Green Belt in Lancashire.

Jenny Wigley QC and Anjoli Foster are acting for the Ministry of Justice in promoting the development.

The main issues include whether there are very special circumstances justifying development in the Green Belt, the need for new prison places, assessment of alternative sites, and transport impacts.