A community leader has criticised bosses at the biggest retail park in Inverness for opposing plans for a new £66million jail.
Smithton and Culloden Community Council chairman David McGrath spoke out after the owners of the Inverness Shopping Park objected to the prison proposals.
The Scottish Prison Service (SPS) lodged an application in May for permission in principle to build the 130,000sq ft replacement for Porterfield jail on an 18-acre plot behind Homebase, at the south-western end of the shopping park.
It would be located just 65 yards from the Vue cinema, and within 115 yards of offices at Stoneyfield Business Park.
The retail park’s owners, the Hercules Unit Trust, has lodged a series of objections to the application, arguing it would contravene the local development plan and have an adverse impact on traffic and drainage.
But Mr McGrath insisted local residents did not oppose the proposals for the new 200-inmate HMP Highland.
He said: “Both Smithton and Culloden Community Council and Cradelhall Community Council have no objection to the proposed prison development.
“We feel it will not impact on the amenity of the local residents.
“The retail park operators have never contacted us as community councils to discuss this matter, although they are within our boundary.
“We feel this development will enhance the area, bring higher footfall to the retail park, and also bring investment in new infrastructure, such as roads and drainage, which even at present is needed without this new prison.
“And the retail park are not willing to provide any new investment, apart from more retail units at minimum cost to themselves.”
The retail park did not respond to a request for comment on Mr McGrath’s remarks.
It has argued that the prison was “not compatible” with the current site and that it would would have an “unacceptable impact on the operation of the park, particularly in terms of traffic and drainage considerations”.
The SPS turned its attention to the site after previous plans to locate the new jail at Milton of Leys provoked a furious campaign of opposition from local residents.
Councillors are expected to rule on the prison plans later this month.
