Housing association to create 30 homes in Brighton

A vacant council-owned building in Brighton is to be leased to a housing association to provide more than 30 homes

A dozen of the new homes will be low-cost or “affordable”.

The decision to turn the property over for housing was by the Brighton and Hove City Council Policy and Resources Committee at Hove Town Hall.

Councillors agreed to dispose of 251-253 Preston Road to Southern Housing Group on a 150-year lease.

The property, near Preston Park Station, has been used in recent years by children’s services. The city’s children’s services were brought together at the end of 2012 and have moved to Moulsecoomb.

Council leader Jason Kitcat, who is also the chairman of the Policy and Resources Committee, said: “As a council we no longer need this building and we are committed to making the best use of our assets.

“The proposal will bring the property back into beneficial use, providing much-needed homes and investment for the council to spend on improving services.”

Southern Housing Group emerged as the recommended bidder in a competitive tendering process which attracted 13 bids.

The housing association plans to convert the building to provide 24 flats and build seven new houses in the rear gardens.

The council would use the capital from the disposal to reinvest in council services and to make the best use of existing buildings.