Prison submits expansion plans (From Watford Observer)

Mount Prison in Bovingdon submits plans to build new housing block

1:35pm Wednesday 5th December 2012 in News By Rebecca Perring, Reporter

Plans to build a housing block at the Mount Prison in Bovingdon which will accommodate 240 prisoners have been submitted.

The Ministry of Justice has put in plans to Dacorum Borough Council to build three new buildings including a new housing block, kitchen and sports changing block to accommodate an additional 240 prisoners.

These plans also include the conversion of the existing kitchen to an education ‘in reach’ facility. This will increase the total number of prisoners to 1008. A prison service spokesperson said: "The prison service has submitted a planning application for a 248 place houseblock, a new kitchen and additional sports facility at the rear of The Mount Prison.

"If the proposals go ahead, we anticipate approximately 50 new jobs to be created."

The target date for a decision to be made is February 6 next year.

Bovingdon Parish Council will discuss the application at a meeting on Tuesday, December 18 from 6.30 p.m. in The Bowls Club and residents are invited to share their views.