RE-ELECTED West Devon and Torridge MP John Burnett has joined the debate over the relocation of a rehabilitation centre for young offenders to Highampton.

At a meeting for residents of the parish on Monday, Mr Burnett said it was essential that the application by C-FAR to convert Burdon Grange Nursing Home went through the full planning process.

C-FAR has been running intensive 11-week residential courses for young offenders from Okehampton Camp for a year, but wants to move to more suitable accommodation.

But villagers in Highampton are opposed to the plan and say it would bring a 'complete cultural revolution to the area'.

C-FAR says it does not need planning permission for change of use of the property because a residential training and educational centre comes under the same planning class as a nursing home — but this is currently being investigated by West Devon Borough Council.

Mr Burnett said he strongly supported C-FAR and its objectives but its application for a 'Certificate of Lawfulness' from the borough council was very much a 'borderline case'. It should be put through the democratic planning process where the views and concerns of the parish council and residents must be taken into account, he said.

'C-FAR plays a very important role in rehabilitation — for the first time in their lives many of these young men have male role models and furthermore something is being asked of them,' he said.

'Obviously, the law has to be complied with, but if the borough council is in any doubt over the application it should go through the whole process to test whether this site is suitable. I am writing to the council on this point.'

County councillor for Highampton, Bill Cann, who also attended the meeting, said he was disturbed that the application might go through on a legal technicality.

He promised to work with Mr Burnett and parish council chairman Charles Dumpleton to make sure a proper application was made for change of use so the public had an opportunity to express its point of view.

C-FAR held a presentation in Highampton Village Hall on Tuesday to inform local people of the work it does, its achievements and its plan for Burdon Grange.