BRIGHTON: We asked councillors your questions about plans to demolish 8 flat blocks
Plans are progressing for the high rises in Kemptown, Whitehawk and Hollingdean - which no longer meet fire safety standards
Greatest Hits Radio has asked Brighton and Hove City Council residents' questions, following a decision to demolish eight of the city's flat blocks over fire risk.
The high rises in Hollingdean, Whitehawk and Kemptown no longer meet safety standards that mean they could withstand collapse in the case of a fire.
However, it could be up to another five years before demolition progresses for the high rises.
What blocks are being knocked down?
The blocks being demolished for new council housing are:
- 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
- We've been speaking to Cabinet Member for Housing, Gill Williams, about how the plans might impact those living there.
Will residents get to pick where they move to?
Cllr Williams said:
"We are going to be moving people before the flats are demolished, of course, because they need to be going somewhere before that happens.
"So what we are putting together is a package for the residents that are there at the moment and they'll all be consulted and visited.
"They'll be asked about where they want to go, what their needs are, etcetera.
"And then what we do is try to match them the best we can to what their needs and requests are."
Will residents have to move to a smaller property?
Residents raised concerns regarding having to downsize if they were, for example, living in a two bedroom flat as a single person.
Cllr Williams responded: "It's about needs and we are very much encouraging people to downsize if appropriate.
"We have a huge housing pressure in our city and we're just looking to house as many people in the right places as possible - apart from the people in these blocks as well.
"So that will be individual conversations and it's really about their needs.
"If there was a need for that second bedroom, of course that will be taken into consideration."
Will residents be moved to temporary or permanent homes?
Residents were wondering whether the homes they are moved into for demolition will be permanent, or temporary measures.
Cllr Williams said:
"We would like to help people to move just once, because it's very disruptive - so they won't be moved as a temporary.
"They will be moved as a permanent home.
"However, they will retain the right to return and because it will be a number of years by the time all the rebuilding has finished, and if those residents want to return to that, then they have that right to do so."