Residents living in four Portsmouth high-rise blocks will be helped to move to alternative homes over the next four years, following a decision by Portsmouth City Council. The rehousing is expected to be completed by 2030.

The decision, made at the Housing and Tackling Homelessness Cabinet Meeting on 5 August 2026, affects people living in Tipton House, Edgbaston House, Barkis House and Nickleby House. The buildings were built using a method known as Large Panel System (LPS). Specialist surveys confirmed the buildings remain safe to live in – but also found that major work would be needed for them to meet today’s building safety standards and future requirements. Wilmcote House, the fifth LPS block in Portsmouth, will remain in use following a major refurbishment in 2019.

After looking at all available options, Portsmouth Homes, the Council’s social housing landlord service, decided that rehousing residents over time is the best long-term solution. A dedicated decant team will work closely with every household to understand their individual housing needs and provide support throughout the rehousing process.

Councillor Darren Sanders, Cabinet Member for Housing and Tackling Homelessness, said: “I know from listening to people in the blocks that some want to move, while others are very worried. This is the least- worst option, the alternative would mean residents would have to leave their home for a couple of years while work was done.

“Doing it gradually, with a dedicated team to support residents every step of the way and financial compensation for being forced to move, minimises the worries people naturally will have. The team will work closely with each household to understand their individual needs, answer questions and provide practical support throughout the process. I also heard about the many community activities that go on. I want to make sure these continue during this process.”

Residents were initially contacted last week about the proposal, ahead of the decision meeting. Now, residents living on the top floors of each of the four blocks will be contacted again. This will be to discuss each household’s housing needs, who lives in the home, and what support may be needed to move. After these conversations and assessments are completed, residents will be added to the Portsmouth Housing Register and considered for suitable alternative homes when they become available.

Residents will join the Housing Register in stages rather than all at the same time. This phased approach will help make sure everyone gets the support they need and will reduce pressure on the city’s housing system. It is expected to take around four years to help all residents move.

Portsmouth Homes understands that some people already waiting for housing may be concerned about the impact on housing availability. Decisions about rehousing are made in accordance with assessed housing need and the Council’s allocations policy. This maintains fairness to other applicants on the housing register as priority is awarded transparently within the banding scheme.

The organisation remains committed to increasing the number of homes Portsmouth people can afford while supporting residents affected by the rehousing programme.

Work is already underway to increase the supply of homes Portsmouth people can afford across the city. The Council is currently progressing plans for the first phase of the Somers Orchard development in Somerstown, on the former site of Horatia House and Leamington House. The scheme will deliver 175 new council homes for social rent. The Council is currently in the process of appointing a contractor, with construction expected to begin in 2027 and the homes completed in early 2030.

Alongside this major development, Portsmouth Homes continues to bring forward a range of smaller housing schemes across the area. Earlier this year, the former Wecock Farm housing office was transformed into affordable new homes, while a further project is nearing completion at Bunting Gardens. Work is also about to begin on affordable homes in Twyford Avenue in Stamshaw.

Residents seeking further information on Edgbaston, Tipton, Barkis and Nickleby Houses can contact 023 9284 1674 or email decants@portsmouthcc.gov.uk.