Legal Bid Launched to Block Lancashire ‘Super Prison’ Plans
Campaigners in Lancashire are challenging the government’s approval of a new prison
Chorley, Leyland, Ulnes Walton, Lancashire, Super Prison, Legal Challenge
Chorley: So, there’s this big fuss going on about a new prison they want to build near Chorley and Leyland. Some locals are really not happy about it and have decided to take legal action to stop it. They’re calling it a “super prison,” and it’s planned for Ulnes Walton.
The Ulnes Walton Action Group, or UWAG for short, is trying to raise £10,000 to cover their legal costs if things don’t go their way. They’ve almost hit that target, which is pretty impressive. They’re appealing against the government’s green light for this prison, which is supposed to hold over 1,700 inmates.
Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner gave the thumbs up last month, even though a planning inspector had recommended against it. The inspector thought the risks to road safety from construction vehicles were too high, but Rayner decided those risks were “of limited harm.”
Now, UWAG has filed for a judicial review, and the government has 21 days to respond. After that, UWAG gets 14 days to reply, and then a judge will decide if the case can go to the High Court.
They’re still looking for more financial support to make sure they can cover their legal fees if they lose. Lawyers have told them they have about a 50/50 shot at winning this thing.
Interestingly, Chorley Council had already said no to the prison plans back in December 2021, but the Ministry of Justice wasn’t having it and appealed the decision.