HM Ford open prison’s expansion project received approval following a Ministry of Justice appeal.
A planning inspector acting on behalf of the Secretary of State granted consent for the scheme on August 5, 2026.
The approved development includes seven new three-storey residential blocks, along with facilities for healthcare, offender management, multi-faith worship, property storage and parking accommodating 80 vehicles.
The decision overturns Arun District Council’s rejection of the application on July 31, 2025.
Council planners had raised concerns regarding drainage systems, flood risk assessments and a proposed travel plan.
Technical flood risk specialists at West Sussex County Council maintained their objection, asserting that the submitted drainage documentation relied on outdated calculation parameters.
An internal planning assessment had previously indicated that the original calculations potentially failed to account for sufficient water storage capacity.
Following the appeal process, these technical deficiencies were resolved through submission of revised documentation.
The lead local flood authority subsequently confirmed that the updated drainage strategy met required standards, while a revised flood risk assessment was also accepted.
A comprehensive travel plan and Section 106 agreement were finalised, incorporating a monitoring fee of £4,000 that the inspector specified would be secured prior to commencement of any construction activity.
The potential impact on neighbouring heritage assets was also examined.
The inspector determined that the development would not adversely affect the settings of these protected structures, noting that an established treeline already provides separation between the sites.
Modifications to the prison’s existing leisure amenities are included in the approved scheme.
The bowls green would be relocated to a reduced footprint.
Sport England offered no objection to the proposals, which also incorporate supplementary recreational elements such as an outdoor trim trail and climbing apparatus.
The appeal was allowed with multiple conditions attached, covering construction management protocols, archaeological investigations, biodiversity measures, drainage specifications and parking arrangements.