Try GOLD - Free
Expansion approved Prison population to double
Bristol Post
|March 09, 2026
PLANS to expand a prison in the countryside north of Bristol have been approved despite fears about more criminals absconding.
HMP Leyhill is located in between the M5 motorway and Charfield, and is an open prison with a history of prisoners leaving without permission.South Gloucestershire Council has given the Ministry of Justice planning permission to build new houseblocks. The prison population is almost doubling, with these specific plans for two houseblocks housing a further 120 prisoners, among other plans which were already permitted.
The expansion was approved by councillors on the development management committee on Thursday, March 5. Council planning officers said the committee should not look into how the prison oper-
ates. They first heard how the absconding prisoners impacted people living nearby.
This story is from the March 09, 2026 edition of Bristol Post.
Subscribe to Magzter GOLD to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 10,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
MORE STORIES FROM Bristol Post
Bristol Post
Vital helpline under threat Appeal for funds for lifeline Reach service
BRISTOL'S only dedicated perinatal mental health helpline is facing imminent closure unless emergency funds can be secured in the coming weeks.
2 mins
March 10, 2026
Bristol Post
Serious scholarship overlooked in favour of a collection of tales
One of the greatest antiquarians England ever produced was born in Wiltshire 400 years ago this week. And like a naughty schoolboy looking through the dictionary for sex-words, Eugene Byrne has been reading his most famous work looking for the most titillating bits.
9 mins
March 10, 2026
Bristol Post
Public unaware of conditions in which Mother's Day flowers are produced
ALMOST all UK adults are unaware that many Mother’s Day flowers were grown by workers in East Africa, often under harsh conditions and low pay, according to research.
2 mins
March 10, 2026
Bristol Post
Rain sees surge in cars hitting hidden potholes
HEAVY rain at the start of the year caused a spike in drivers hitting potholes hidden in puddles, new figures suggest.
1 mins
March 10, 2026
Bristol Post
Council leader defends affordable homes policy
THE leader of Bristol City Council has defended a controversial new planning policy designed to unblock stalled housing developments and deliver desperately needed accommodation.
1 mins
March 10, 2026
Bristol Post
Women's rugby Bears blitz Tigers with 10-try show
BRISTOL Bears ran in 10 tries as they swept aside Leicester Tigers 68-0 in the PWR.
1 mins
March 10, 2026
Bristol Post
Plans unveiled for last section of Brabazon Park
DETAILED plans have been submitted for the final section of the park at the centre of the huge new Brabazon development on the former Filton Airfield.
1 min
March 10, 2026
Bristol Post
Brabazon Green light for Waitrose and seven-storey office building
DEVELOPERS have secured planning approval for a seven-storey office building at the entrance to a major new neighbourhood in Bristol.
2 mins
March 10, 2026
Bristol Post
Be afraid, be very afraid!
HORROR COULD BE THE TOAST OF THIS YEAR'S OSCARS
3 mins
March 10, 2026
Bristol Post
Step out on a guided walk as festival returns
MORE than 70 community groups and outdoor enthusiasts have teamed up to offer hundreds of guided events for a major Bristol walking festival.
1 min
March 10, 2026
Listen
Translate
Change font size