Bid to convert Consett's Highfield House into prisoner reform refused

The Ministry of Justice hoped to convert Consett’s Highfield House as part of its ‘prisoner reform’ program. Plans 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 on site were due to be demolished to pave the way for a two-storey extension to the existing building. 

However, Durham County Council planning officers rejected the proposal in January 2023 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’.

The 16-bedroom building is located less than 60 metres from a school and scout hut, which locals said would threaten the safety of children. (Image: The Northern Echo)

Their concerns were echoed by residents, including those in the immediate vicinity of the site.

Billy Robson, CEO of Delta North, an independent school that offers pupils an ‘alternative’ education from that at mainstream schools, previously labelled the plans “shocking” and “a travesty”.

Now, a ruling by Inspector David English, on behalf of the Planning Inspectorate, found the facility would have an adverse effect on the safeguarding of pupils attending the nearby school.

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

Mr Robson said: “Vulnerable young people in our school are going to be right next to high-risk offenders - it just doesn’t make sense. There’s no respect for what we’re doing and the other youth groups in the area. They don’t realise the knock-on effect it could have, we could lose the school because of it. I’m absolutely gobsmacked.”

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Outbuildings on site were due to be demolished to pave the way for a two-storey extension to the existing building (Image: The Northern Echo)

The local campaign was backed by the local MP, Conservative Richard Holden. He said:  "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.”

The Government confirmed it is yet to decide what the next steps are for the plans. 

A Ministry of Justice spokesperson said: “Approved premises keep the public safe by offering support and strict supervision to prison leavers that helps prevent reoffending. We are considering our next steps and no decisions have been made.”