Government plans to house offenders near a school have been rejected for a second time.
The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) lost its appeal against a decision to block the conversion of the 16-bedroom Highfield House in Consett, County Durham, as part of its “prisoner reform” programme.
The scheme was initially refused as the building is located less than 60 metres from the specialist Delta Independent School and a scout hut.
A government spokesperson said the MoJ is now considering its next steps.
The department submitted plans in 2022 to turn the derelict building into housing for offenders who are at or nearing the end of a custodial sentence and are being released on license.
The accommodation, which would have a permanent staff presence, would be used to help aid the rehabilitation of offenders, according to the MoJ.
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