new jail scheme suffers setback
CONTROVERSIAL plans for a prison in Runwell have hit their biggest stumbling block so far.
Basildon District Council has thrown its full weight against the application to build a 1,500-capacity, category B prison on the site of Runwell Hospital.
Councillor Malcolm Buckley said: "It's all about protecting Wickford."
The council made a decision to object to the plans at a cabinet meeting on Thursday, on the grounds the prison would threaten investment in Wickford.
Other worries included damage to the green belt and traffic pressures on Runwell Road.
Cllr Buckley, who represents Wickford Castledon and is the cabinet member for the environment, said: "We're anxious to protect Wickford and ensure that the regeneration is not affected.
"The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) sent every cabinet member a letter telling us why they thought we were wrong to object but they didn't convince us.
"It was a unanimous decision and I will be proposing a motion at the next council meeting to officially back the No Prison in Runwell Campaign."
Both the ruling Conservative party and Labour party representatives backed the objection.
The MoJ announced its prison plans last year amid uproar at the idea that the site at the end of Runwell Chase could hold murderers and rapists.
It submitted its application to Chelmsford Borough Council in January.
Hundreds of people have attended public meetings to vent their anger at the project.
They claim that the prison could have a major effect on house prices and put public safety at risk.
David Callum, who is helping to organise the No Prison in Runwell campaign, said: "It's great the council have realised the terrific strength of feeling that the public have on this.
"On Saturday, we collected 1,600 signatures in a few hours in Wickford High Street.
"Altogether, we've got more than 3,000 signatures on a petition ready to go to Chelmsford Borough Council."
Cllr Lance Millane, who represents Rettendon and Runwell at Chelmsford Borough Council, said: "I'm really pleased with the result of the meeting.
"The prison was moved to first on the agenda because of the number of people there and the councillors ridiculed the MoJ's argument.
"People agreed the plan should have been ripped up at the first opportunity.
"Now we'll see what happens next."
A date for deciding on the application has not yet been set. The deadline for comments on the application is Friday.
To find out more about submitting a comment, call 01245 606826 or email town.planning@chelmsford.gov.uk.
4 Comments
by helen, witham
Thursday, April 15 2010, 8:07AM
“Lets face facts if it were'nt for the prisons being full of illegal immigrants and 'asylum seekers' this would not be an issue as our prisons would not be as overcrowded and the need for new ones unecessary.Send that lot home pronto and you will start to solve the problem.”
by WickfordMum, Wickford
Thursday, April 15 2010, 7:54AM
“Wickford is now a town of half empty flats and demolition sites, none of which has bought any benefit to the residents of Wickford. Adding 624 houses just outside of Wickford will bring in over 1000 people, at least one car per household, having a huge increase on the road network, especially if they travel to London. Hands up who wants more commuters parking down their road so they can get to the station. Hands up who wants to stand on their commute to work or sit in traffic for ages .Best book a doctors appointment now as well as it will be impossible later.
There is a secure unit on the site now and there had been a psychiatric hospital on the site for years - how can people possibly be against the prison? Aren't prisoners locked up?
Chelmsford has a prison and to me seems to be thriving.
People of Wickford do not base your opinion on the No Prison In Runwell leaflet. Find out the FACTS then make up your mind.
I would have thought more important issues for Wickford Residents would be those that directly impact their lives - lack of doctor and dentist surgeries, lack of promised infrastructure, even pot holes in the road - why not be up in arms about that rather than something that we will probably not even know is there?
Wickford is now a town of half empty flats and demolition sites, none of which has bought any benefit to the residents of Wickford. Adding 624 houses just outside of Wickford will bring in over 1000 people, at least one car per household, having a huge increase on the road network, especially if they travel to London. Hands up who wants more commuters parking down their road so they can get to the station. Hands up who wants to stand on their commute to work or sit in traffic for ages .Best book a doctors appointment now as well as it will be impossible later. There is a secure unit on the site now and there had been a psychiatric hospital on the site for years - how can people possibly be against the prison? Aren't prisoners locked up? Chelmsford has a prison and to me seems to be thriving. People of Wickford do not base your opinion on the No Prison In Runwell leaflet. Find out the FACTS then make up your mind. I would have thought more important issues for Wickford Residents would be those that directly impact their lives - lack of doctor and dentist surgeries, lack of promised infrastructure, even pot holes in the road - why not be up in arms about that rather than something that we will probably not even know is there?”
by George, Chelmsford
Wednesday, April 14 2010, 10:23PM
“Prisons should never be built near the populace...yes thats right dopey Michaela lets build them in the North Sea oil rig, on top of mountains, or in the middle of the Dengie Triangle ...Oh Ooops Micky, what about the people we need to work there where do they actually live whilst not working in the prison ?”
by Michaela, Essex
Wednesday, April 14 2010, 3:16PM
“Prisons should never be built near the populace. I applaud those speaking out against it and wish them all the luck in succeeding against this awful plan.”