CAMPAIGNERS have urged council bosses to "just say no" to plans for two massive prisons at Wethersfield.

Communities are still waiting to hear if the Ministry of Justice is going to submit a planning application for the controversial proposals.

Braintree Council leader Graham Butland said the authority shares their frustrations on wanting answers about the MoJ’s intentions.

SWAP - Stop Wethersfield Airfield Prisons - called on the council to "show some gumption" and come out publicly against the prison plan for the former airfield.

SWAP chairman Alan MacKenzie said: “When the MoJ approached Kirkham Town Council about building an additional prison next to HMP Kirkham on land which was an airfield but is now used for agriculture and a nature reserve, Kirkham Town Council told them no, so the MoJ decided not to pursue it any further.

"Why didn’t our council just do the same?

“The only reason it is being considered is because it is a 'free' site to the Government - currently under the ownership of the MoD.

“Unbelievably, no site held in private hands in the whole of England is considered suitable for a new prison by the MoJ.

“To Braintree Council, we say show some gumption. Follow Kirkham Town Council’s lead and just say no.”

Mr Butland defended the council's position.

He said: “We have always said that as Braintree Council is the local planning authority and to ensure it abides by the rules on probity in planning, as with all potential planning applications, the council has to be seen as remaining impartial given its future role in any application coming forward and negate any threat of legal challenge against the council to any potential decision made.

“The reference to Kirkham Town Council is not relevant as they are not a local planning authority and so would not be guided by the same local planning authority policies and issues.

“We are trying to do the right thing and keep residents and communities updated where we can on the progress with these proposals given the significant interest, but we are limited until we know more about what the MoJ’s intentions are with bringing forward a planning application or not, which we are urging them to make a decision on as soon as possible.”

The Ministry of Justice said no decision has yet been made.

A spokesman said: “The Government is creating 20,000 new prison places as part of plans to make sure the most serious offenders spend longer in prison.

“New prisons bring significant economic growth to an area, with new jobs and investment in local businesses who help build and supply the prison.

“We recognise residents are seeking clarity and while no decision has been made, we will continue to consult and update them as our prison building plans develop.”

The MoJ is looking at plans to bring the two new prisons to land at Wethersfield Airfield.

The proposal for the two prisons was first announced in September last year.

If it is approved, the complex will become the largest in the UK, holding around 1,715 male prisoners in each facility, which will be built next to each other.

The largest prison in the UK is Five Wells in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, which is expected to be completed in February and will hold 1,680 inmates.