Brighton Council to Serve Initial Demolition Notices on Eight Tower Blocks

Brighton and Hove City Council is set to serve formal “initial demolition notices” on residents living in eight tower blocks across the city.

The blocks, built using concrete “large panel systems,” have been deemed to fall short of modern safety standards following post-Grenfell safety checks.

The eight buildings include St James’ House in Kemp Town, Nettleton Court and Dudeney Lodge in Hollingdean, and five blocks at the top of Whitehawk.

All are earmarked for future demolition and redevelopment, though the council stresses that the buildings remain safe to live in while plans progress.

Tenants’ representatives say most residents are positive about how the council has managed the process.

Emma Salcombe, representing Essex Point, highlighted one couple who recently moved to seniors housing from a Whitehawk block.

She said:

“The council officer even offered to let them keep parts of their old home, like the door frame where they’d measured their children growing up.

"It’s gestures like this that show the council is working really well.”

Hollingdean Residents’ Association rep Ian Beck added:

“I can’t fault the way the council has handled this. People have been informed and supported throughout what is an unexpected situation caused by changes in the law.”

Council head of tenancy services, Justine Harris, said support for residents is a priority:

“We know people are losing homes where they’ve raised families, sometimes for generations.

"We’re connected to every household and are offering properties with the same number of bedrooms, with options to downsize if residents want.”

Safety measures remain in place, including a “waking watch” and bans on gas canisters, barbecues, e-bikes, and e-scooters.

Rehousing support will begin next month with St James’ House, and weekly resident drop-in sessions continue to provide guidance.

The council cabinet was expected to approve the initial demolition notices for all eight blocks at a meeting in Hove Town Hall yesterday (Thursday 19 March).