THE first new prison in the north of Scotland for more than a century has moved a step closer after planning permission in principle (PPP) was secured from The Highland Council.
Commercial property specialist Colliers International has revealed it helped gain the green light for the Scottish Prison Service’s new HMP Highland, which will replace the 112-year-old Inverness Prison.
Meabhann Crowe, senior planner with Colliers International said, “As HMP Highland will be the first new prison in the region for 112 years, we are pleased that the planning application process has progressed so smoothly and swiftly.
“Discussions have progressed quickly and productively with the Highland Council and we are delighted to have achieved a successful outcome. Given that the proposal represents a technical departure from the Development Plan, this is an excellent result and particularly welcome, as it ensures that the Highlands, Islands and Moray areas will get a much-needed modern, fit-for-purpose prison facility in a timely manner. We expect construction work to begin on the site early next year.”
Working on behalf of the Scottish Prison Service (SPS), Colliers International’s planning team lodged the PPP for the new jail on land to the south of Inverness Retail and Business Park. They worked alongside the Scottish Prison Service and a specialist consulting team, including BakerHicks, ITP Energised, Fairhurst Engineers, TGP Landscape Architects, AOC Archaeology and ERM Consulting in bringing the application together.
