Plans progress but 550 flats demolition 'not imminent'

Residents of eight Brighton tower blocks set to be knocked down because they no longer meet safety standards have been told the demolition is "not imminent" but is moving forward.

Brighton and Hove City Council (BHCC) previously agreed to demolish Falcon Court, Heron Court, Kestrel Court, Kingfisher Court and Swallow Court in Whitehawk, Dudeney Lodge and Nettleton Court in Hollingdean and St James's House in Kemptown.

The next step is that BHCC will issue initial demolition notices to residents of the 554 flats.

Gill Williams, cabinet member for housing, acknowledged the "unsettling" situation but reassured residents it would take "some time" to get to redevelopment.

Issuing the notices is a necessary legal step giving tenants notice of the intention to demolish, BHCC said.

They stay in place for seven years, during which time a second notice will be issued once proposals are finalised, providing a timeline for demolition and replacement with new council homes.

The initial notices suspend mutual exchanges and any Right to Buy applications.

Williams said: "Recognising that these are people's homes remains at the top of our agenda.

"It is our highest priority to support residents through every step of the journey."

She said support would continue to be offered, including finding suitable housing in alternative homes.

Structural surveys undertaken in 2024 found the buildings no longer met current safety standards for withstanding a collapse in the case of an explosion or large fire.

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