THE Ministry of Justice (MoJ) is attempting to reverse the Royal Borough’s rejection of plans to provide more rooms for convicted criminals on probation.

Last July, the government department had plans to demolish two garages and extend the probation hostel at Manor Lodge on 8 Straight Road, Old Windsor, to provide three additional bedrooms, a new cycle store, an air source heat pump, and solar panels were thrown out by the council.

It was narrowly rejected by councillors sitting on the Royal Borough development management panel over public safety and anti-social behaviour fears despite being recommended by officers to approve the scheme.

Old Windsor residents say they feel “intimidated, after witnessing Manor Lodge occupiers drinking booze outside out their homes, rowdy behaviour, public urination, and littering.

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The lodge, which the Ministry owns and occupies, currently has 25 beds and has been used to provide accommodation to convicted criminals who come from national prisons on license from jail since 1967.

MoJ has officially lodged an appeal in an attempt to overturn the council’s decision, believing the additional three-bedrooms will not result in any significant increase in crime or fear of crime.

Officials reiterated that all offenders are closely monitored, must sign in and out, have an 11pm curfew, and some are fitted with electronic monitoring tags.

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Its appeal statement reads Thames Valley Police were consulted and did not object to the scheme and the department is desperately needing to increase bed capacity in probation hostels nationally in order to reduce the number of individuals placed in hotel accommodation.

A planning inspector will make the final decision on whether or not to grant MoJ’s appeal. A hearing and decision date have not been released.

An MoJ spokesperson said: “Approved premises are there to keep the public safe by offering support and strict supervision that helps prevent reoffending.

“After careful consideration, we have decided to appeal the council’s decision and will continue to work closely with them and the community throughout the process.”