TWO new mega prisons could be coming to Essex as soon as 2023, if plans are approved.
But not if opponents of the scheme have their way.
They are fighting tooth and nail to protect the beautiful countryside and quiet villages which, they say, will be destroyed if the prisons are built.
The Ministry of Justice first published its controversial proposals back in September.
It unveiled plans for the construction of two state-of-the-art multi-million pound prisons.
These would be built next to each other on the former RAF Wethersfield airbase.
To put things into perspective, currently the largest prison in the UK is HMP Berwyn, in Wrexham, North Wales, which can hold up to 2,106 inmates.
The category B and C Wethersfield prisons would hold approximately 1,715, each, making up to 3,430 in total.
The move is part of a bid to expand the number of available prison spaces by 18,000 by the mid-2020s.
If approved, each prison would have seven separate blocks and each block would have four floors, with around 60 prisoners on each floor, making a total of around 240 prisoners in each block.
Each floor will also have room for group activities and most cells will hold just one prisoner.
Some cells are designed to hold two prisoners and many cells will be set up for prisoners with low mobility.
All cells would have a shower and a toilet but the cells will also be able to have a phone so prisoners can talk to family and legal representatives.
The Ministry of Justice first sent a letter to residents living in the area in September before launching a period of consultation.
It said: “The Ministry of Justice is committed to tackling crime and keeping communities safer.
“Against this background, we have reviewed prison places across the country and are in the process of identifying potential locations for new prisons to meet anticipated future demand.
“Two new prisons in Wethersfield would contribute over £70million to the local economy and create new jobs, while providing safe, secure and decent prison places.
“We want to engage with you and your community to ensure your views are considered and to share with you the benefits the proposed new prisons could bring to the area, such as creating over 1,200 new jobs working in the new prisons in a wide range of roles.
“Should the proposals go ahead, in addition to providing construction apprenticeships and work placements, a minimum of 25 per cent of the project spend would be within the local area, and a minimum of 30 per cent would be spent with small and medium enterprises.”
However, some residents were incensed, not least by the threat of increased traffic, noise and air pollution as well as other environmental damages.
Swap – Stop Wethersfield Airfield Prisons – is a campaign group formed in response to the proposal.
Chairman Alan MacKenzie said: “It is not just about stopping it but coming up with alternatives.
“We have already approached companies who are interested in rewilding. You could have a solar park or even a discovery centre to encourage some tourism.”
Braintree Council leader Graham Butland said: “There has been a lot of interest from residents and communities across the district on the MoJ’s proposals which is why I have taken the opportunity to confirm the council’s current position.
“It’s important to note Braintree Council has not yet received a formal planning application for the proposals and given its potential role in any future application coming forward, will not have a view on whether it ‘supports’ the proposed prison or not until that planning process is concluded.
“If and when the council receives a planning application, residents, partners, stakeholders and businesses will have the opportunity to submit their views and comments through the planning process.”
A council spokesman added: “As with all planning applications, if the application is rejected, the applicant has the opportunity to appeal the decision to the Planning Inspectorate who will make a final decision.”
The proposal remains a fair way off from being close to completion, with campaigners continuing to fight for their community.
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