Concerns over future of empty block of flats at Hastings

The Clifton Court block, close to Cornwallis Gardens, is owned by Orbit housing association

“These 53 flats have been empty for three years. It’s not good enough when we have a homelessness crisis in this town and a housing waiting list that grows every year. I know of no applications that have yet gone in for planning to rebuild this block and create new social homes.

"Why is Clifton Court sitting there empty while one child in every classroom in Hastings is living in temporary accommodation?”

"Orbit, who owns this block of flats, plan to rebuild on this site new flats. It is taking forever. When I wrote to the chief executive of Orbit in February, he told me they are in discussions with Hastings Borough Council about new plans for this site and new social homes.

"People who are homeless in Hastings and need a home cannot wait forever. We need this work to continue, at pace, as quickly as possible because we have a housing emergency. I am putting pressure on them to do as much as they can as quickly as they can.”

A spokesperson for Orbit housing association said: “We understand the frustration about Clifton Court and agree it has been empty for too long, particularly when there is such a need for good-quality, affordable homes in Hastings.

“The building is not currently suitable for people to live in and the existing flats cannot simply be brought back into use without significant intervention.

“Having carefully reviewed the options for the site, we are developing proposals for its future and plan to start talking with the local community early next year. We want to work with residents, Hastings Borough Council and the local MP to find a long-term solution.

“No final decision on redevelopment has been made. There is still work to do to develop the proposals, hear the community’s views and go through the planning process before any redevelopment could begin.”