Lancaster gives nod to HMP Lancaster Farms expansion

A total of 120 new beds will be delivered at the category C facility in order to keep up with “unprecedented” demand.

Lancaster City Council approved the Ministry of Justices plans for the expansion of HMP Lancaster Farms at a planning meeting yesterday. This decision was made in line with officer recommendations.

At the same meeting, the city council also approved FRISIA Real Estate’s proposals to convert the vacant former pump house at Luneside East to create 35 student apartments.

The total capacity of the Far Moor Lane prison site will be increased from around 550 to 670 beds under the plans drawn up by Mace.

There will also be an 18,800 sq ft workshop created, which will be served by two 1,400 sq ft storage buildings.

The workshop will be served by two storage units. Credit: via planning documents

Proposals focus on the plot currently occupied by the prison’s sports pitch. This pitch will be replaced by a multi-use games area elsewhere.

The development intends to provide additional prison spaces following reports that the prison population is forecast to reach “unprecedented levels” over the next 10 years, according to a planning statement.

Cushman & Wakefield is advising the MoJ on the plans. The project team also includes Plowman Craven, Fabrik, Groundsure Insights, E3P, and Robert West.

Want to learn more about the project? Search for application number 23/00818/GOV on Lancaster City Council’s planning portal.