The proposal affects residents of four high-rise blocks – Tipton, Edgbaston, Barkis, and Nickleby House – originally built using a construction method known as Large Panel System (LPS). It involves a phased rehousing programme over four years before the buildings are taken out of use.
While surveys found that the four blocks are safe, they also found that extensive work is needed to make them meet current and future building law and regulations.
A fifth LPS block, Wilmcote House, which was extensively refurbished in 2019, only requires planned improvements as part of the building safety programme.
The proposal will be considered by the Cabinet Member for Housing and Tackling Homelessness on 5 August 2026. A report setting out the details will is published on the Portsmouth City Council website (Public Pack)Agenda Document for Cabinet Member for Housing and Tackling Homelessness, 05/08/2026 16:00 Portsmouth Homes, the council’s social housing landlord, recognises this will be unsettling for residents and is committed to being transparent and supportive throughout the process.
Portsmouth Homes considered whether the four blocks could be upgraded with people still living there. It found that the work needed would be so extensive, and residents would have to leave their home for long periods in any case while adding only a limited amount of life to the buildings.
For this reason, Portsmouth Homes believes that a phased rehousing programme is the best long-term option. If approved, residents would be supported to move over four years, with dedicated support available to every household. Residents are being contacted directly to discuss the proposals.
Cllr Darren Sanders, Cabinet Member for Housing and Tackling Homelessness, said: “These blocks are safe. However, making them meet modern building standards means residents leaving their homes for a long time. This plan means that can happen over a longer period of time and enable the council to create replacement homes that can last for many decades to come.”
If you would like more information about the proposals, please call 02392 84 1674 or email decants@portsmouthcc.gov.uk