Update on proposed centre for women offenders

Bridgend County Borough Council has received an update on proposals from the Ministry of Justice to establish a new Wales Residential Women’s Centre in South Wales.

Two of the proposed sites that the ministry is currently considering for the new centre are Sunnyside House in Bridgend town centre and the Atlantic Hotel in Porthcawl.

A letter which was recently distributed by agents working on behalf of the Ministry of Justice to residents living near the proposed sites stated that planning applications were due to be submitted, but ministry officials have now confirmed that these plans have changed.

In an email sent to the authority, a ministry representative has confirmed that they will not be submitting planning applications for either of the sites or carrying out any engagement until after the Senedd and Police and Crime Commissioner elections have taken place in May.

The ministry has previously stated that the centre, which is intended to keep Welsh female offenders closer to home while providing intensive rehabilitative support as part of a community sentence, would include residential accommodation and an integrated support hub.

Bridgend County Borough Council has confirmed that in the event of an application being received, it will be duly processed and determined based upon its own merits, and in accordance with all appropriate planning procedures.