A protected building in The Lanes district could be offloaded by the local authority after its previous tenant left owing more than £73,000 in rental payments.

A document presented to councillors reveals that the premises at 45-46 Meeting House Lane in Brighton has deteriorated significantly. Funds raised from any potential disposal might be used to support the development of new homes.

The property, formerly the base of fragrance business Pecksniff’s, has since moved to 27 Bond Street.

Brighton and Hove City Council’s executive board will consider whether to dispose of the building at their gathering at Hove Town Hall on Thursday, April 23.

The authority retains the freehold title to the structure, which has been unoccupied since May 2024, according to the cabinet report.

The filing indicates that Pecksniffs Lifestyle Ltd abandoned the premises without giving notice, resulting in arrears exceeding £73,000.

The report continued: Although there are prospective tenants willing to occupy the space again, the council would either need to carry out essential maintenance beforehand and finance this through capital funds with income recovery taking considerable time, or demand that an incoming occupant undertake the work while receiving a lengthy period without rent payments.

In either scenario, the property would not produce income for several years, making sale the preferred course of action.

Pecksniff’s presently trades from premises formerly occupied by Sass and Belle at 27 Bond Street, and their views were sought.

The potential disposal is included within the council’s asset management strategy, which seeks to pinpoint buildings suitable for affordable or short-term residential use, or to sell to help fund the purchase or development of housing units.

The strategy’s goals encompass delivering 2,000 additional affordable homes, 200 further temporary accommodations, and simplifying the commercial property holdings by divesting assets.

The cabinet meets at Hove Town Hall at 2pm on Thursday, April 23. The proceedings will be broadcast live online.