COUNCILLORS have approved the demolition of a former police station for a new development of 21 homes.
The new council homes will be built on the site of the former police station in South Road, Newhaven.
Local families on the council's housing register are expected to move into the new properties from spring 2023.
The development by Lewes District Council will include 19 one and two-bedroom flats and two three-bedroom houses and a number of sustainability features.
These features include mechanical ventilation and heat recovery systems, solar panels, 100 per cent energy-efficient lighting and storage for 39 bikes.
New residents will be in a central location of the town and will be able to access shops and public transport links as well as a parking permit system by utilising nearby council-owned car parks.
Councillor William Meyer, cabinet member for Housing, said: "There is no doubt that we are leading the way in the development of the highest quality council homes, mindful that these brick-built properties follow the recent opening of new homes in Lewes at Saxonbury House and Palmerston House in Fort Road, Newhaven.
"I'm also delighted that these new properties will be a short walk from the main town centre, bus routes, Newhaven railway station and other local amenities, not least the green open spaces families will want to use and enjoy.
To reduce carbon outputs, the council will use the same demolition methodology on the old police station as used during the development of Palmerston House, where the aim was to recycle 97 per cent of the materials from the demolished building.
Cllr Meyer added: "This latest housing scheme clearly shows that the headway we have achieved so far to address the shortage of council housing is just the start.
"There is much more good news to come for families across the district who have been waiting for a home of their own for far too long."
With the police station vacant for several years, the opportunity to develop the site was first identified in the Newhaven Neighbourhood Plan.
Planning permission for the development was secured in July 2021.
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