The proposed redevelopment of social housing in Spring and Summer streets, and resulting relocation of residents, was put on hold last year following protests with further consultation expected to begin in mid-2021.

Instead it will begin next week after residents received notification of LAHC information sessions to 'discuss opportunities to renew and increase social housing'.

Those sessions - on Tuesday, March 23 - have also been capped at 16 people each, with five scheduled throughout the afternoon at Orange Ex-Services' Club's Borneo Room.

"We have major concerns about the timeframe changing, the method of communication and, most certainly, that the LAHC is trying to railroad a decision," East Orange action group's Andrew McDougall said.

"We were under the impression this would be a consultation and would come mid-year. They are being called information sessions now so it seems perhaps the community will just be informed of what's happening.

"Some residents received the letter on March 12 so it's short notice, and we've had others in the area tell us they didn't receive notification at all.

"We're also concerned with the size of the sessions, it won't allow anyone to consult with each other."

The LAHC notification letter stated the cap is in place to 'minimise the risk of COVID-19 transmission', however Mr McDougall simply said a 'more appropriate venue' should had been chosen.

He pointed to an Orange City Council public forum in January as an example, which was held at the Civic Theatre and allowed for upward of 90 people to attend.

Mr McDougall also added some of the area falls under an updated Orange City Council heritage conservation area as well.

Intervention from Nationals MLC Sam Farraway went a long way to halting the proposed redevelopment last year and he confirmed he will, once again, convey the community's concerns.

He also reassured east Orange residents next week's information sessions 'will not ultimately decide the outcome' of their bid.

"They are coming earlier than I expected but these sessions are the first step in what I expect to be quite a long process of consultation," Mr Farraway said.

"I'm doing everything in my power to make sure these sessions are consultations and not just the community being talked at.

"I've contacted [housing minister Melinda Pavey]'s office and the LAHC, I'll be discussing the consultation process with them and I'm going to invite the minister to the area later this year too.

"It's all about trying to get the best outcome in terms of social housing in the city, because that's what it has to be about, it can't be about scoring political points.

"There is a lot of history in the east Orange area and one of the major concerns is the destruction of streetscapes that need protection.

"I encourage residents and anyone concerned to register for these sessions, attend and share your views on the issue."

There are five information sessions on Tuesday starting at 1.15pm, with those wanting to attend required to register online.

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