Councillors have agreed to move forward with plans to regenerate eight large panel system (LPS) housing blocks across the city.

The proposals will involve consulting with residents and progressing plans to demolish the existing buildings and replace them with new, safer council housing.

The affected council-owned LPS blocks include:

Dudeney Lodge and Nettleton Court in Hollingdean

Falcon Court, Heron Court, Kestrel Court, Kingfisher Court and Swallow Court in North Whitehawk

St James's House in Kemp Town

Structural surveys conducted last year found the buildings no longer meet modern safety standards, particularly in the event of a major fire or explosion. The council has concluded that full regeneration, rather than refurbishment, is the safest and most sustainable path forward.

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Councillor Gill Williams, Cabinet Member for Housing, said: "This is a big step, but after very careful consideration of the options, we have agreed in principle that regeneration is the preferred option.

"Since October last year, I have been working with officers and meeting with householders to explore the options about the future of these blocks.

"We recognise that these buildings have happy memories, in some cases for 3 generations of families.

"This is why it was important for us to explore all the options in detail, including strengthening and refurbishing the blocks. That would only buy us 20 more years, at great cost and disruption, without solving the core safety issues.

"By creating more family sized homes in the city, it should reduce wait for a 3-bedroom home down from the average of 8 years."

The council is now launching the next phase of the process, working closely with residents through newly formed Resident Advisory Panels. These panels aim to ensure that any regeneration proposals are shaped by community input and aligned with the needs and aspirations of those living in the affected buildings.