The leader of Harborough District Council is writing to the Government to call again for a meeting to discuss matters relating to the new 'super prison' near Gartree.

Cllr Phil Knowles first wrote to Lord Timpson, Minister of State for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, in February 2026 in response to an email from the Minister about the ongoing development of HMP Welland Oaks.

In his letter in February, Cllr Knowles said: “I am keen to understand where this £33m has actually been spent. What do you deem as the local economy? What are the local businesses benefiting? Are they within ten miles or fifteen miles of the development? Are they within our district? Could you please help me with specific detail. And in the same spirit of clarity could I have similar details on the 80 jobs you mention.

“You also state that: “We are also engaging with residents to identify community projects where the on-site team can offer support, helping to ensure that the prison has a positive impact during construction and beyond”. I wonder are you listing an exact figure that you will have within this fund? What locality are you stipulating for this expenditure? Again, I would appreciate clarity.

Work started on the facility at the end of October last year. The new prison, in Welland Avenue, will provide more than 1,700 category B prison places. (Photo: Clive Mason)

placeholder image — Work started on the facility at the end of October last year. The new prison, in Welland Avenue, will provide more than 1,700 category B prison places. (Photo: Clive Mason)

"You also allude to the need for care for existing residents. A very important consideration. Yet I’m being told of site lights left on all night, so the birds now sing all night. Pumps left on all night contributing to ongoing background noise. Residents been told lights are for security, but could the site try and turn some off and as for the pumps I think we can agree unless absolutely necessary they shouldn't be left on.”

Cllr Knowles has not yet received a reply to his letter in February. In his recent letter Cllr Knowles will say: “This is a subject both of concern to, and has an impact on, local residents and the wider community. I would repeat again my request for an urgent meeting to discuss the wider issues."

The original plan for the huge prison was rejected unanimously by Harborough District Council’s (HDC) planning committee in April 2022. However, following an appeal by the MoJ in June 2022, the scheme received the go-ahead by the then Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Michael Gove.

Work started on the facility at the end of October last year. The new prison, in Welland Avenue, will provide more than 1,700 category B prison places.