The leader of Lichfield District Council has criticised the Home Office over plans which could mean a super prison being built near to the city.
Councillor David Smith said he was concerned that Curborough, near Lichfield, had been identified as a potential site for a prison housing 1,500 inmates by the Government without any discussion with the council. He is urging the Home Office to get in touch with the council and residents before going any further with the plans saying a consultation was “absolutely crucial”.
Mr Smith said: “The district council has not been approached by the Home Office about the potential for a new prison in Lichfield District. We understand that the decision on where to build the remaining new prisons is likely to be made at a national, rather than at district council level, by the new Infrastructure Planning Commission, which is set to begin operating this October.”
He added: “It is absolutely crucial that the Home Office consults with the district council and local people on the possible plans for a prison at Curborough.
“The fact that a highly-visible site has been identified, yet no contact has been made with the district council, is very concerning.”
Lichfield MP Michael Fabricant has already urged Justice Secretary Jack Straw to come clean over plans which could see one of five new super prisons built in the village.
Two of the five national sites have already been identified in Dagenham and Chelmsford but Curborough is on a list of 76 potential prison sites for the remaining three.
Mr Fabricant revealed earlier this week that he was seeking “urgent clarification” on the plans from Mr Straw.
He said: “I am asking Jack Straw to either rule out Curborough or to publish without delay his detailed plans so people can make an informed judgement.”
Many fear house prices in the area will plummet if the prison gets the green light.
