The Cabinet has decided to proceed with the demolition and replacement of eight large panel system blocks in the city, sparking potential controversy among residents and stakeholders.

URL: https://democracy.brighton-hove.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=7474

Decision Maker: Cabinet

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: This report details a full options appraisal for the potential redevelopment of eight large panel system blocks across the city. The report includes recommended options, resourcing requirements, short-medium term information on the blocks and resident engagement.

Content: This report details a full options appraisal for the potential redevelopment of eight large panel system blocks across the city. The report includes recommended options, resourcing requirements, short-medium term information on the blocks and resident engagement. St James House   1)           Cabinet agrees that in principle the preferred option for addressing the structural and strengthening issues identified in respect of St James House is the demolition and replacement of St James House with new homes in keeping with the housing needs of the city, and regeneration of the site.   2)           Cabinet agrees for officers to progress with the delivery of the design and feasibility work for the development, inclusive of demolition, planning, through appointment of a multi-disciplinary team.   3)           Cabinet agrees for officers to further explore options for the delivery mechanism of any regeneration scheme for St James House, including through Homes for Brighton & Hove LLP or direct council delivery.    4)           Cabinet agrees to proceed to a consultation in respect of the preferred option with leaseholders, tenants, and other relevant stakeholders.   5)           Cabinet notes that subject to approval of recommendation in paragraph 2.1, then, following consultation with the Homemove Manager, may exercise discretion under the Allocations Policy to allocate Priority Band B to secure tenants of St James House seeking transfers to alternative council owned homes.   6)           Cabinet agrees for officers to develop and consult upon a Rehousing Policy and Local Lettings Plan which  would apply to the temporary and/or permanent rehousing of all Council tenants who are accommodated by the Council under a statutory duty and who are affected by the regeneration schemes of St James House and which incorporates the proposed tenant offer described in the report, including in relation to the priority of existing Council tenants of St James House for allocation to the new housing on the site, in keeping with the intention to offer right to return.     7)           The Cabinet notes the support and offer to leaseholders outlined in the           report and the intention to engage with leaseholders further regarding the           development of proposals.   8)            Cabinet agrees to a Housing Revenue Account capital budget of £3.013m to cover initial development work, resident support, and a rehousing programme in line with the anticipated ‘tenant offer’.    Nettleton Court and Dudeney Lodge   9)           Cabinet agrees that in principle the preferred option for addressing the structural and strengthening issues identified in respect of Nettleton Court and Dudeney Lodge is their demolition and replacement with new homes in keeping with the housing needs of the city, and regeneration of the site.   10)        Cabinet agrees for officers to progress with the delivery of the design and feasibility work for the development of the site of Nettleton Court and Dudeney Lodge, inclusive of demolition, planning, through appointment of a multi-disciplinary team.    11)        Cabinet agrees for officers to explore delivery options for the site, including through a 3rd party partner.    12)        Cabinet agrees to proceed to a consultation in respect of the preferred option with leaseholders, tenants, and other relevant stakeholders.   13)        Cabinet notes that, subject to the approval of recommendation in paragraph 2.9, then, following consultation with the Homemove Manager, may exercise their discretion under the Allocations Policy to agree to allocate Priority Band B to secure tenants of Nettleton Court and Dudeney Lodge seeking transfers to alternative council owned homes.   14)        Cabinet agrees for officers to develop and consult upon a Rehousing Policy and Local Lettings Plan which  would apply to the temporary and/or permanent rehousing of all Council tenants who are accommodated by the Council under a statutory duty and who are affected by the regeneration schemes of Nettleton Court and Dudeney Lodge and which incorporates the proposed tenant offer described in the report, including in relation to the priority of existing Council tenants of Nettleton Court and Dudeney Lodge for allocation to the new housing on the site, in keeping with the intention to offer right to return.     15)        Cabinet notes the support and offer to leaseholders outlined in the report and the intention to engage with leaseholders further regarding the development of proposals.   16)        Cabinet agrees to a Housing Revenue Account capital budget of £2.488m to cover initial development work, resident support, tenant offer and future rehousing programme.    Falcon Court, Heron Court, Kestrel Court, Kingfisher Court, and Swallow Court (“North Whitehawk”)   17)        Cabinet agrees in principle that the preferred option for addressing the structural and strengthening issues identified in respect of Falcon Court, Heron Court, Kestrel Court, Kingfisher Court, and Swallow Court is their demolition and replacement with new homes in keeping with the housing needs of the city, and regeneration of the site.   18)        Cabinet agrees to initiate a masterplanning and stakeholder visioning exercise for the wider Whitehawk area.    19)        Cabinet agrees to proceed to a consultation in respect of the preferred option with leaseholders, tenants, and other relevant stakeholders.   20)        Cabinet agrees to a Housing Revenue Account capital budget of £1.988m to appoint a multi-disciplinary project team for the masterplan work, for the feasibility and design of North Whitehawk (phase 1), and to fund additional resident support and future rehousing programme.    21)        Cabinet notes that, subject to approval of recommendation in paragraph 2.17, then, following consultation with the Homemove Manager, may exercise their discretion under the Allocations Policy to agree to allocate Priority Band B to secure tenants of Falcon Court, Heron Court, Kestrel Court, Kingfisher Court and Swallow Court, seeking transfers to alternative council owned homes.      22)        Cabinet agrees for officers to develop and consult on a Rehousing Policy and Local Lettings Plan which would apply to the temporary and/or permanent rehousing of all Council tenants who are accommodated by the Council under a statutory duty who are affected by the regeneration schemes for Falcon Court, Heron Court, Kestrel Court, Kingfisher Court and Swallow Court, and which incorporates the proposed tenant offer described in the report, including in relation to the priority of existing Council tenants for allocation to the new housing on the site, in keeping with the intention to offer right to return.    

Date of Decision: July 17, 2025