Sale of Whitehawk social centre site for housing put on hold

Brighton and Hove City Council wants to buy the site in Whitehawk Way to build 28 flats and a community space.

Earlier this month a public meeting with residents and trustees resulted in a vote of no confidence.

During public questions at a meeting of the full council last week (Thursday 30 January), John Gunn, who described himself as a former committee member, asked about the status of the sale.

Mr Gunn, supported by campaigner Daniel Harris, said that the sale was discussed without debate at both the council’s Policy and Resources Committee in October and the Housing Committee in November.

He said: “An application to protect the venue as an asset of community value has been sent to the council.

“Residents want to keep it in the community’s hands. The former trustees were voted out. Can you please update the Whitehawk Community with the council’s current position on this purchase?”

The Labour council leader Nancy Platts, who represents East Brighton ward, said that the council was aware of the concerns in the Whitehawk community.

She said: “In acknowledgement of current situation, the council felt it would be appropriate to pause any plans to potentially purchase the site until such a time that the constitutional and other issues are resolved.”