Ditch for wildlife is approved on jail site

A WILDLIFE habitat ditch on the site of a proposed four storey prison has been approved amid claims residents’ concerns were not taken “seriously”.

East Riding Council’s Planning Committee passed Ministry of Justice plans for ditch, on the site of a proposed 1,440 capacity Category C prison in Full Sutton, nine votes to three.

The ditch, replacing an existing one home to water voles, and a new prison would be built next to the existing HMP Full Sutton in Moor Lane.

A Ministry of Justice spokesman said detailed plans on the prison itself would feature landscaping including tree planting following concerns from residents about screening it. He said regular consultations would be held.

He added consultations held with residents so far had been “invaluable” in drawing up future reserve matters plans which will set out the design and scale of the prison.

But one resident and objector said consultation had so far been “inadequate” and residents had not been taken “seriously”.

Coun Leo Hammond, of Wolds Weighton ward which covers the site, said: “I and residents are not particularly satisfied with the meetings the Ministry held.

“Current landscaping doesn’t go far enough.”

Committee chair Coun David Tucker said: “I can see the concerns of my colleagues and of the objectors. Landscaping will come back at the reserve matters stage, so I have no hesitation in supporting these plans now.”