Smelly waste plant ‘could trigger riot’ in Scots jail

By WILL LYON
Published on 22/10/2012 22:52

SCOTTISH prison chiefs have warned that prisoners could riot if a waste plant is built yards from their cells.

• Scottish prison chiefs warn that prisoners will riot if waste plant is built just yards away from their cells

• Grundon Waste Management are planning an appeal after initial planning application was rejected by the council

• Public inquiry will commence on 26 November

In an official response to a public inquiry starting next month, the Scottish Prison Service (SPS) said that the relentless noise and smells from the site will lead to “concerted indiscipline” at Perth Prison.

If Grundon Waste Management’s plans are accepted, section C-Hall of the prison – which houses more than 350 inmates – would be 50 metres away from the plant.

The Scottish Environment Protection Agency, Perth & Kinross Council and the SPS say that the site would be too close.

Planning consultancy Drivers Jonas Deloitte will present a statement to next month’s public inquiry on behalf of the SPS after Grundon appealed to the Scottish Government following the council’s refusal of planning permission in February.

“The adverse impacts of these issues on HMP Perth are likely to result in similar negative outcomes for the welfare of prisoners and staff and the management, operation and ultimately, the security of the prison,” the experts said.

“SPS will argue that operational noise can give rise to legitimate complaints from prisoners.

“SPS will also argue that HMP Perth … is a particularly sensitive residential noise receptor due to the very special nature of the prison use and the very limited ability of the prisoners and staff to control their surroundings.

“They are generally unable to move away from source of

annoyance or disturbance.

“If legitimate complaints from inmates regarding operational noise cannot be addressed, there are serious implications for the SPS, who would have no means of addressing the noise issues which will leave the prison management in a very difficult position from an operational perspective.

“Without being addressed, such complaints can lead to concerted indiscipline.

“Given there is little space for additional mitigation measures, SPS does not believe it is appropriate to allow this appeal, given the potential impacts the development could have on the resident population and staff within HMP Perth.”

The prison, which houses more than 600 inmates in total, is one of hundreds of objectors to the plans for the waste plant.

The public inquiry will begin on 26 November.