Suffolk: Lowestoft's only high-rise flats to be demolished

A statement from East Suffolk Council said the existing tower block would generate a £2.5m deficit over the next 30 years

A tower block is to be demolished following a survey of the building.

East Suffolk Council has been undertaking an improvement programme at St Peter's Court, Lowestoft, which contains 90 council flats.

But a recent survey revealed further refurbishment was needed, and would be more costly than to rebuild on the same site.

The council said it would now begin to move tenants into new accommodation over the next year.

Councillor David Beavan guaranteed all residents would be offered new housing within the town

According to the council, initial estimates indicated the repair cost would be almost £8.8m in year one.

Cabinet member for housing David Beavan (Liberal Democrat) said: "We could spend £9m getting St Peter's up to the required standard, and give tenants another 10 years in their homes, or we bite the bullet, making the difficult decision to demolish, then deliver new sustainable council homes to rent for another 100 years."

All residents were asked their views before the decision was made, the council said.

Speaking earlier this month, tenant Kacper Sliwinski said he would prefer the flats to be repaired.

"I like living here. It's close to town and nice people live here," he said.

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However, the council said two-thirds of residents "either supported [demolition] or would be content whatever decision was taken".

Mr Beavan said: "We really do appreciate this is hard for the tenants because it's not just bricks and mortar, it's their homes."

He said demolishing the flats was the "last thing we wanted to do" but that the council would do everything possible to help tenants during the moving process.

This includes providing families with new housing within Lowestoft, plus an allowance of about £8,000.

Mr Beavan said while it should not cost families more than this to move, he "can't guarantee" residents will not be out of pocket.