A proposal to create a new prisoner reform centre for sex offenders has been rejected after a public backlash.

Plans to convert Consett’s Highfield House to house ‘at risk’ prisoners as part of the Ministry of Justice’s ‘prisoner reform’ program were submitted in 2022 but quickly faced several objections from residents and the local MP.

The 16-bedroom building, which has remained derelict for years, is located less than 60 metres from a school and scout hut, which locals said would threaten the safety of children.  

Outbuildings at the site were due to be demolished to pave the way for a two-storey extension to expand the facilities but the plans have now been shelved.

The Northern Echo: Highfield House, Consett, has been derelict for several years Highfield House, Consett, has been derelict for several years (Image: Durham County Council)

Durham County Council planning officers rejected the proposal after saying the facility would “bring a significant fear of crime in relation to the presence of a specialist educational establishment that serves the 'most vulnerable young people”.

Billy Robson, who is the CEO of Delta North, an independent school that offers students an ‘alternative’ education from students at mainstream schools, called the reform plans “shocking” and “a travesty”.

Objecting to the application last April, he said: “In 2016, when this building was up for sale – we enquired about it and were told that it could be used for some sort of project. Alarm bells started going at that point, but I thought nothing of it until I saw online that plans had gone in for a reform centre.

“I was taken aback. Shocked. After reading the project specifications, these aren’t just a few people accused of petty crime, these people that they’re reforming are sex offenders and very high-risk people. How can they even be considering proposals for a building like this?"

The 1st Consett Scout Group, who have their HQ just 50 metres from the boundary of Highfield House, said they were worried about the wellbeing of the children who attend meetings.

The Northern Echo: Drawings of how the redevelopment of Highfield House could have looked Drawings of how the redevelopment of Highfield House could have looked (Image: Ministry of Justice)

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North West Durham MP Richard Holden said he was happy to see the controversial proposal had been rejected. 

"I'm very pleased that the concerns that I've raised on behalf of local people have been listened to," said Mr Holden.

"It would have been completely inappropriate to have such a facility located at the heart of a residential area near schools, youth clubs and vulnerable young people."

A spokesman for the Ministry of Justice said: “We are considering the council’s decision and will continue to work closely with local authorities and the community.

“Approved Premises help offenders stay on the straight and narrow, and have robust safeguards in place to keep the public safe, including CCTV, alarmed exits and 24/7 supervision by staff.”