Plans to demolish eight tower blocks approved

The five blocks in Whitehawk known affectionately as the Bird Flats are being demolished

Brighton & Hove City Council has confirmed it will push ahead with plans to demolish eight tower blocks which no longer meet current safety standards.

A report went before councillors on Thursday recommending the blocks, containing 554 flats, be demolished and replaced with newer council homes.

The buildings are Falcon Court, Heron Court, Kestrel Court, Kingfisher Court and Swallow Court in Whitehawk, Dudeney Lodge and Nettleton Court in Hollingdean and St James's House in Kemptown.

Gill Williams, cabinet member for housing, said that after "careful consideration" it was agreed in principle that "regeneration is the preferred option".

Structural surveys last year found the buildings no longer met current safety standards for withstanding a collapse in the case of an explosion or large fire.

St James's House, in Kemptown, is among those being demolished

The council looked at strengthening and refurbishing the buildings but research found these methods would only guarantee their safety for 20 years.

Ms Williams said attention now turns to helping residents find new accommodation and that meetings would soon be held to ensure the new designs reflect their "needs, voices and visions".

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

"This is why it was important for us to explore all the options in detail, including strengthening and refurbishing the blocks.

"We will now begin working hand-in-hand with residents on every step of the next part of the journey."

Ms Williams said no one would have to leave their property immediately and that the council would do everything it could to ensure those who want to stay in the area can do so.