'Superjail' loses fight on building extra storey

Featherstone's new "superprison" was today facing being partly knocked down after planning bosses refused a controversial bid to build it higher than agreed.

Work has already started to create the new jail one storey higher than agreed, sparking controversy among residents.

Prison Service bosses submitted a retrospective planning application to continue building a section of the building at 41ft, claiming the increased height was necessary to house mechanical and electrical equipment.

But members of South Staffordshire Council's regulatory committee last night threw out the bid, claiming its planning rules had been treated "with contempt" by prison bosses.

They said a taller prison building would have an adverse affect on villagers.

Steel frames have already been erected at the site up to 41ft, despite the 1,620-inmate jail only having planning permission of 33ft. Under planning law, the Prison Service can now appeal the decision or face having to reduce the frames to the approved height.

A Prison Service spokesperson said: "The National Offender Management Service is considering its options in the light of the decision."

Campaigners today celebrated victory. South Staffordshire MP Gavin Williamson said: "This is fantastic news".