PLANS are being made to build up to 250 homes and a new neighbourhood hub on “under-used city sites”.

The proposals for Brighton would mean redevelopment of areas of Moulsecoomb next to the existing Moulsecoomb Sports Centre.

The Moulsecoomb north and south hubs and the 67 Centre, a youth centre, would be replaced.

Brighton and Hove City Council said there would be a new community building which could include a GP surgery, Moulsecoomb Library, adult learning and youth services, and a community café.

The authority said bringing these facilities together in the new hub “frees up a number of sites to build up to 250 much-needed new homes”.

A council spokesman said: “The homes would be delivered through the New Homes For Neighbourhoods scheme building new council-rented homes across the city.

“We’re aiming to build as many new council homes as we can.

“There are a number of stages to go through to progress the plans but, if approved, the development is expected to take around four years.”

Councillor Nancy Platts, leader of the council, said the plans would be positive for the area and residents’ responses to the development had also been positive.

She: “This is a very exciting proposal.

“It’s a great opportunity to improve services and facilities for Moulsecoomb and Bevendean residents, as well as redevelop some under-used sites for much-needed new low-cost housing.

“It’s an ambitious project and will be the biggest development the council has taken on for a very long time.

“We’ve had positive feedback on the idea from the community so far.”

Now the council will hold a series of feedback sessions called “planning for real”.

It says these are a “hands-on way of giving residents a say in what needs to be done to improve their neighbourhood”.

A council spokesman added: “It brings them together with planners, architects, housing officers and community workers to discuss a 3D model of the neighbourhood and work out the best way of providing what’s needed.”

These will be held at the Moulsecoomb Community Leisure Centre between 9am and 7pm on Wednesday; at the Bevy pub between noon and 7pm next Friday; at the Holy Nativity Community Hall in Norwich Drive, Bevendean, between 9.30am and 12 noon, and 2pm to 6pm, on January 29, and at the 67 Centre in Hodshrove Lane, Brighton, on January 30.

Cllr Platts said: “We’re holding these sessions to give residents an opportunity to help shape the development.”

She continued: “Residents are the experts on what an area needs, so please do come along to share your views and work with us to develop the proposals.”

Plans will be developed through the feedback sessions and a business case will go to the council’s policy and resources committee for approval in the spring.

If approved, a planning application for the neighbourhood hub is likely to be submitted later in the year.