Prisoners could riot if a waste plant is built close to Perth’s jail, bosses have warned.
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) has restated its strong opposition to plans for the Shore Road gasification complex, which would be just yards from inmates’ cells.
In its official response to a public inquiry starting next month, the SPS has warned constant noise and foul smells from the site ”can lead to concerted indiscipline.”
The statement of case to be presented to the inquiry says concerns about noise, odour and air quality have not been resolved.
Prepared by planning experts Drivers Jonas Deloitte, it states: ”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.”
If Grundon Waste Management’s proposal is allowed, C-Hall of the prison – which houses more than 350 inmates – would be just 50 metres away.
SEPA, Perth and Kinross Council and the SPS argue this is an insufficient buffer zone.
The statement continues: ”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 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.
”In particular, night-time ambient noise levels will potentially reach unacceptable levels which could give rise to legitimate prisoner complaints.
”If legitimate complaints from inmates regarding operational noise cannot be addressed, there are serious implications for 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.”
The SPS says the same arguments apply to noise during the construction period, odour and air quality.
”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 statement adds.
The prison, with more than 600 inmates, is one of hundreds of objectors to plans for the sprawling plant.
The waste plant application is an issue which has dogged Perth for years but could be finally resolved in the coming months.
Perth and Kinross Council’s refusal of detailed planning permission in February led Grundon to appeal to the Scottish Government.
Outline permission already exists for a waste plant on the site, which is part-owned by the council.
A public inquiry will begin on November 26.