REJECTED plans to extend a probation hostel to provide extra beds will go ahead after an inspector overturned the decision.

The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) can now proceed with its plans to demolish two garages at the Manor Lodge Probation Hostel in Straight Road, Old Windsor, to provide three bedrooms, cycle storage, an air source heat pump, and solar panels.

The lodge has 25 beds and has been used to provide accommodation to convicted criminals who come from national prisons on license from jail since 1967.

Councillors sitting on the Royal Borough development management panel last July rebelled against officer recommendations to approve the scheme and narrowly rejected it over public safety and anti-social behaviour fears.

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

MoJ later submitted an appeal, stating three additional beds will not result in a significant increase in crime and offenders will be closely monitored – with some fitted with electronic monitoring tags.

It also stated Thames Valley Police did not object to the scheme when consulted and the department is desperately needing to increase its bed capacity in probation hostels nationally in order to reduce the number of individuals placed in hotel accommodation.

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Planning inspector James Blackwell said he “sympathises” with local concerns but ultimately agreed with MoJ that the additional beds won’t significantly increase crime in the area.

He also said the offenders are managed in line with regulations and there are procedures in place if an individual does negatively impact the community.

He wrote: “The proposed development would help meet the government’s need for additional AP [approved premises] bed spaces.

“Moreover, I am satisfied that the modest increase to bed spaces would not materially affect the safety, nor perceived safety of the local area, with particular regard to crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour.”