Decision - Large Panel Systems Building and Estates Renewal - S105, Rehousing Policy and Leaseholder Offer Consultation Programme

This report sets out feedback on formal legal consultation with residents of the Large Panel System Blocks. Including rehousing policy and leaseholder offer.

1)             Cabinet is asked to note that each site has been subject to a distinct options appraisal and consultation process, and that the recommendations set out in paragraphs 2.2 to 2.4 constitute separate decisions for each site, presented collectively for ease of reference.

2)             Cabinet is asked to note the outcomes of the consultation (Appendix 2)  relating to the preferred option and to approve the taking forward of the recommended option to demolish and replace St James’s House (Kemptown); Nettleton Court & Dudeney Lodge (Hollingdean); and Heron, Kestrel, Swallow, Falcon and Kingfisher Courts (collectively the Whitehawk ‘Bird Blocks’) with new homes in keeping with the housing needs of the city, and regeneration of the sites. 

3)             Cabinet agrees to authorise the service of “initial demolition notices” for St James’s House (Kemptown); Nettleton Court & Dudeney Lodge (Hollingdean); and Heron, Kestrel, Swallow, Falcon and Kingfisher Courts (collectively the Whitehawk ‘Bird Blocks’) in accordance with Schedule 5A of the Housing Act 1985.

4)             Cabinet agrees to delegate authority to the Corporate Director Homes and Adult Social Care to determine the timing and service of the initial demolition notices for each site.

5)             Cabinet is asked to note the outcome of the consultation (as detailed in this report) relating to the preferred option and agrees to approve the Rehousing Policy at Appendix 3 and Local Lettings Plan at Appendix 4 for the eight LPS blocks.

6)             Cabinet agrees to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Homes and Adult Social Care to actively engage with all impacted leaseholders to facilitate the acquisition of the leaseholders’ legal interests within the 8 LPS blocks.

7)             Cabinet agrees to delegate authority to the Corporate Director of Homes and Adult Social Care to take all steps necessary to develop an offer for the provision of lease/property swaps for those resident leaseholders within the eight LPS Blocks who are experiencing financial hardship and are unable to purchase an alternative property on the open market.

8)             Cabinet approves the launch of a pilot Home Ownership Pact Scheme for eligible tenants residing in the eight LPS blocks, as detailed in Section 8.

9)             Cabinet agrees to approve a budget of £0.4m to operate the Pilot Home Ownership Pact scheme in 2026/27.