He has already voiced concerns over the number of bail hostels in the city centre and housing serious offenders and psychiatric patients. Child sex offender William Knowles escaped from a similar hostel in Peterson Road in February. His disappearance sparked a nationwide hunt. He was caught in Liverpool. The Prison Service does not need planning permission for the hostel.
Councillors can make a formal objection.
But officers are recommending approval. They say the hostel is near to Wakefield Prison and security cameras in the area will reduce the fear of crime. Ward councillors Melvyn Taylor, Betty Rhodes and Keith Rhodes, have objected. Plans to open a bail hostel in Dewsbury Road, Wakefield, were quashed by the council earlier this year because it was near to houses and schools. All rights reserved 2000.