Extensive work needed before new Sussex seafront council homes can be lived in
Residents waiting to move into a new seafront council housing development in Southwick face further delays.
This came after investigations uncovered major construction and design defects that could cost more than £3 million to fix.
Adur District Council said significant work is needed before tenants can move into the 49 new homes – being built in Albion Street – for people on the district's housing waiting list.
The development has already been delayed following the collapse of the original contractor, Westridge Construction, which went into administration in September 2023 while work was still underway.
For the past two years, replacement contractor Cheesmur Building Contractors has been working to rectify defects left by the previous builder. However, as work has progressed, further problems have been identified relating to the building's weatherproofing and design.
According to the council, dozens of the flats are at risk of ongoing damp problems, unless the issues are resolved. Investigations have identified design features that funnel rainwater into the building, faulty damp course systems and unsuitable construction materials that allow excessive moisture to penetrate during wet weather.
Specialist engineers are now assessing the defects and determining the work required to make the homes safe and habitable. Initial estimates suggest repairs and remedial works could cost more than £3 million, the council revealed.
Adur District Council leader Jeremy Gardner said he was ‘appalled’ that tenants were still unable to move into the homes.
He said: "I apologise to those who have been waiting patiently to move into the new flats. They will be even more frustrated than I am that they are still not ready. This simply should not have happened and I have asked for a full report so that I and the public can get the facts on this.
"Investigations into water penetration in these flats are uncovering more and more issues. I want those problems rectified as soon as possible so Adur families in need of somewhere to live can move into these new homes.
"Later in the year we will consider a report on how this shocking state of affairs came about. We must get to the bottom of how this has taken place."
The council said it has contacted all residents who had been expecting to move into the development and will continue to keep them updated.
A report setting out potential options to resolve the problems is due to be presented to the council's Joint Strategic Committee on Tuesday, July 14.
The Albion Street development will provide 49 council homes on brownfield land overlooking Shoreham Harbour, including 25 one-bedroom and 24 two-bedroom flats for social and affordable rent.