WORK is under way on buying three new sites for council homes.

Brighton and Hove City Council plans to buy three flats in Rugby Place, Brighton, from a private landlord and also wants to convert a commercial space under council flats in Edward Street into homes.

But a campaigner was upset members of the housing committee did not debate the proposals because the third site is the Valley Social Centre in Whitehawk Way.

Up to 28 homes could be built on the site if the deal goes through.

Currently the council owns the car park and was offered the site by the centre’s trustees who described it as “no longer viable”.

Labour council leader Nancy Platts asked the council to consult people in the area about building a community space as part of the project. Her request was approved last month by the policy and resources committee, which she chairs.

Whitehawk resident and housing campaigner Dan Harris was shocked the housing committee did not discuss buying the site when it met at Hove Town Hall.

Mr Harris previously asked the committee to keep the centre open for the community. He said: “Considering the community have raised transparency issues and have reported issues with three trustees, this was rushed through without public scrutiny.

“It’s an asset grab from an already hit community.”

Save The Valley Social Club has organised an emergency residents’ meeting on December 1 at 2pm.