Bucks MP argues Grendon 'mega prison' would destroy nearby countryside
The plan includes six new blocks for inmates, workshop and separation units and a 453-space car park.
Buckinghamshire Council will discuss the plan for a new prison housing up to 1,468 prisoners near Aylesbury, after the plans have been met with strong objections.
Over 470 objections have been received so far by residents and parish councils. They come from concerns about noise pollution, loss of privacy and landscape, increased traffic and security worries.
The Ministry of Justice’s outline planning application states the new jail would cover up to 67,000 square meters and be built beside Grendon and Springhill prisons – off Springhill Road.
The plan includes six new blocks for inmates, workshop and seperation units and a 453-space car park.
Conservative MP for Buckingham, Princes Risborough and Winslow, Greg Smith, is concerned about the sustainability of the site and the harm to heritage assets.
Mr Smith said: “The area is prone to flooding, it's got historical and archeological features, but it will also fundamentally change the character of the area."
“The rural landscape will be gone with this quite brutalist, very urban architecture... It would take away productive agricultural land that is currently used for producing food, because The Ministry of Justice would have to buy a farm next door.”
However, the scheme is being considered in line with the government’s target for 10,000 extra places across four prisons in England, in order to meet population forecasts over the next 10 years.
The planning statement document states: "The proposed site satisfies many of the site search criteria and is situated in a region where substantial demand for additional prison places is expected.”
Greg Smith says he supports the government’s plan to build more prison places but believes there are better options for building sites across South England.
He added: “The right place is on brownfield sites, ex-industrial land and places in towns and cities that have become derelict or are in desperate need of regeneration."
The council will discuss the plans today and Greg Smith will attend the meeting to provide evidence to demonstrate the unsuitability of the proposed site.
Mr Smith said: “I’m very hopeful that the committee will hear our arguments in planning law and policy and as a matter of pure fairness...and follow the planning officer’s recommendation to refuse it."