Consent is given to plans for jail

Plans for a new Midland 'superprison' housing 1,600 extra inmates have taken a step closer to reality after receiving approval from the Government, it emerged today.

The Government Office for the West Midlands has agreed the jail plans for Featherstone, near Wolverhampton, in principal, despite more than 400 objections to South Staffordshire Council.

Work to create the new Category B, medium security jail is now expected to begin the summer. It will be built next to Featherstone Prison and Brinsford Young Offenders Institution off New Road, bringing 1,200 jobs.

Five sports pitches, an 800-space car park, five ancillary buildings and a security fence surrounding the site will also be built.

Only two of the planned three x-shaped accommodation blocks will be built by January 2012, catering for 1,140 prisoners, because of a shortage of funding.

The Ministry of Justice say the third block will follow when cash is available.