Hindley prison building works granted planning permission

Plans for a temporary building and extension to the perimeter wall at Hindley prison have been approved by the town hall.

The jail, in Barracks Road, has been granted planning permission to install a temporary single storey building to extend the gatehouse (pictured) and offices.

It will be similar in design and appearance to the existing gatehouse building it would adjoin and be sited to the east side of. The building will be finished in grey cladding and will include an access ramp for people with disabilities to the south side.

The building would be erected on an area of hardstanding and two disabled parking spaces.

The application also proposes an extension of an existing concrete wall to add 1.5m to the height of the wall for a length of 7.8m, resulting in a total height of 7m.

The prison is sited on green belt land, but a planning officer’s report stated that the new developments would not be significant enough to harm the openness of the green belt.

It was also decided that the project would not negatively impact the area in general or the amenity of nearby residents, the nearest of which is 30m away.

The new building will result in the loss of two disabled parking spaces but the prison has indicated to the planning inspectorate that these spaces would be provided elsewhere within the site.

A condition included in the planning approval notice said: “Prior to any above ground works, other than the extension of the perimeter wall hereby approved, the provision of an additional two disabled access parking spaces shall be provided and made available within the existing car park of Her Majesty’s Prison Hindley.”

Full details can be found at www.planning.wigan.gov.uk

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