29 Apr 2011

Challenge to probation centre dismissed

12:53 pm on 29 April 2011

The High Court has dismissed a Christchurch community's bid for a judicial review of a decision to build a probation centre in its neighbourhood.

The Department of Corrections was granted consent by Christchurch City Council two years ago to build the probation and psychological services centre in the suburb of Opawa.

The consent application was not publicly notified.

About 500 people from the neighbouring area formed an incorporated society called Move Over Probation and appealed against the consent on the basis they were not consulted.

The High Court has found that while Corrections is required to consult on policies and practices, this does not extend to the location of facilities needed to carry out its duties.

It says the plan to establish a probation centre is clearly an operational decision, not a policy one.