Brighton council to spend nearly 20 Million. It affects 44 homes in eight tower blocks, bought via “right to buy”.
These flats were bought through “right to buy.” The blocks are in Hollingdean, Whitehawk, and Kemp Town. Their future, and the future for those living there, is uncertain. These buildings used a “large panel system.”
This building method was common in the 1960s and 1970s. These concrete walls bear the load; columns are not the main support. These buildings risk more damage from explosions, fires, and wind.
Concerns grew after the Grenfell Tower fire, in which seventy-two people died. Grenfell used a different building method. The council will vote on the buy-back plan, which spans five years as they plan what to do with the blocks.
Like New England House, they could fix the buildings. Another option is demolition and rebuilding. The blocks don’t meet current safety rules and might collapse badly during a fire or explosion.
They’ve taken steps to keep the buildings safe, these measures are temporary while they plan the future. If approved, each flat owner could get £300,000, covering the cost of buying the flat back from them.
The council will pay fees for surveyors and lawyers plus mortgage fees and stamp duty. Twenty-three owners still live in their flats. Their moving costs are also covered.
This part of the plan might cost over £13 million, including the council’s costs. They included money for unexpected expenses. The plan covers early studies on the buildings’ future, too.
The council told residents about the issues in July 2024. They’ve since bought vacant flats using their “home purchase policy.” Owners worry because their flats are worth less, and they can’t sell them easily now.
Mortgages are hard to get for these flats. Owners can’t move for work or family reasons. Residents will likely need to move either for repairs or permanently. The council may need to buy back all flats.
It’s hard for owners to sell now, so the council offers extra money early. This ensures they aren’t at a disadvantage when speaking with the council and encourages owners to sell for rebuilding or fixing the buildings.
Tenants and owners get real choices. Decisions are being made amidst odd events. The eight blocks hold 559 flats total. Dudeney Lodge and Nettleton Court are in Hollingdean, and St James’ House is in Kemp Town.
Falcon Court, Heron Court, and three other buildings are in Whitehawk. The council will discuss the blocks in June to increase social housing. Residents will help decide the future of each block.
The council will fully discuss plans with everyone. Vacant flats might house people in temporary housing. The council faces high housing bills, and vacant units help them save.
Though safe now, tenants want to move, and the council is helping them find new homes. They’ve added extra safety measures, including banning gas canisters and barbecues, as well as e-bikes and e-scooters, temporarily.
They offer safe, powered storage off-site for these items. Guards and cameras are in all eight blocks to prevent banned items from going inside. The Chapel Street car park is shut.
Parking under the Whitehawk blocks is too, and garages behind the Hollingdean blocks are also unavailable. The council will vote on this plan next week, and the meeting will be broadcast.