WEST Devon Borough Council's planning committee last week approved the redevelopment plans for Burdon Grange at Highampton, occupied by the Centre For Adolescent Rehabilitation (C-FAR).

The plans provide for the extensive modernisation of the property whilst at the same time retaining its Grade 2 Listed appearance and presence in the area.

The new plans include the provision of improved accommodation for the trainees, who attend the intensive residential programmes, as well as classrooms, a computer room, conference hall, all-weather sports pitch and gymnasium.

The rehabilitation centre for persistent young offenders moved from Okehampton Camp to the

former Burdon Grange Nursing Home in April.

Six letters of objection were submitted to West Devon Borough Council, mainly concerned with a potential increase in traffic on the narrow approach lanes by people attending the conference centre.

But planning officers said an assurance was made by C-FAR that the centre would be solely used for C-FAR purposes and not attract additional traffic.

Chief executive and founder of C-FAR Trevor Philpott said: 'The approval of the plans represents yet another watershed in the company's work and development.

'The centre is setting a standard in the provision of this type of training, education and support to ex-offenders and is increasingly becoming recognised as one of excellence.

'The approval of the plans also marks an important political recognition for such provision within the community,' he said.

'It clearly meets many of the proposals set out in the recent Home Office White Paper dealing with changes to the Criminal Justice System and the Cabinet Office Social Exclusion Report "Reducing re-offending by ex-prisoners".

'We now await a letter from the Home Office that will hopefully confirm a significant contribution of money towards the costs of the project and the work within the centre.'

It is intended that some of the facilities, including an all-weather sports pitch, gymnasium and computer suite, will eventually be made available for use by local people in Highampton.