Lewes District Council is taking legal action over the Government's Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) proposals.
The move is intended to preserve the council's legal position while the Government reviews its plans.
The Government had previously approved moving East Saltdean, Telscombe and Peacehaven into the jurisdiction of Brighton & Hove City Council, a change widely opposed by residents across the district.
Council leader Zoe Nicholson welcomed the pause and review but said the council must protect residents' interests until the plan to annex parts of the district is abandoned.
‘By taking this step, we are safeguarding our position and ensuring we continue to have all legal options open to us, if they are required,’ she said.
She added that residents ‘rightly expect us to stand up for our district and challenge decisions that we believe are wrong.’
The deadline for calling for a judicial review of the LGR plans is 16 October 2026.
