ABERDEEN homes containing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) are to be demolished on safety grounds, the city’s council has announced.
An estimated 366 council and 138 private addresses in the Balnagask area of Torry were found to have RAAC in roof panels. Aberdeen City Council said it will aim to purchase the private properties by voluntary agreement to allow demolition to proceed.
The required demolition and landscaping is estimated by the council to stand at £20-25 million and will take three to four years. Building new homes will cost an additional £130 million or more and take 5-15 years. Detailed delivery plans, including financing, will be drawn up for consideration.
The UK and Scottish governments will be advised about the preferred option and the financial impact for the council and private owners. The council said it will request a meeting to discuss funding support for the short-term costs and longer-term housing development requirements.
The recommendations for dealing with RAAC – drawn up following independent survey work, a detailed options appraisal, and extensive community engagement – were accepted by officers at a meeting of Aberdeen City Council today.
Several other options were considered – including roof replacements – however, demolition was judged by the council to offer the quickest and most cost-effective way to remove the ‘high-risk’ posed by the lightweight concrete.
Councillor Miranda Radley, convener of the communities, housing, and public protection committee at Aberdeen City Council, said, “This is one of the hardest decisions the Council has taken. We recognise the impact this will have on residents, many having lived in their home for many years.
“The absolute priority has to be their safety. The welfare of people is what matters most, and we will continue to offer individuals and families one-to-one support whilst meeting their housing needs as far as possible from existing stock.
“The council will also explore providing a mix of new homes for the longer term, and we look forward to working with the local community and potential partners in developing the regeneration plans.”
Re-homed council tenants will be given first refusal on a replacement home matching their need, the council said. The local authority added that homeowners will be offered market value along with reasonable legal costs, and home loss and disturbance payments.
