Aberdeen City Council has committed to demolishing over 500 homes deemed structurally unsafe due to RAAC roof panels.
- A total of 504 homes, consisting of both council and private residences in Balnagask, are affected by this decision.
- The council’s decision prioritizes demolition as the most feasible solution to the risks posed by RAAC, despite exploring other options.
- The projected cost for demolition and subsequent landscaping ranges between £20m to £25m over a three to four-year timeline.
- Plans for rebuilding new homes, estimated at £130m, could extend over a period of 15 years, with rehoming support offered to all affected.
Aberdeen City Council has reached a crucial decision regarding the structural instability presented by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete, or RAAC, in the roofs of over 500 homes in Balnagask, Torry. Approximately 366 of these properties are council homes, while 138 are privately owned. This verdict follows an exhaustive exploration of alternative remedies, including roof replacements. However, the council concluded that demolition constitutes the most expedient and cost-effective method to mitigate the severe risks associated with these materials.
The financial implications of this operation are substantial, with an anticipated cost of £20m to £25m for demolition and landscaping alone, estimated to take three to four years. Additionally, the construction of new homes, a project projected to demand at least £130m, is expected to span up to 15 years. As part of the strategic roadmap, the council has begun formulating detailed delivery plans that include financing strategies, which will be reviewed in the near future.
Councillor Miranda Radley, who chairs the city’s communities, housing and public protection committee, publicly acknowledged, “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 council’s unyielding priority remains safeguarding public safety, a sentiment mirrored in their commitment to offering individualised support to displaced residents.
In terms of relocation, the council has assured that affected council tenants will receive preferential treatment through first refusal on new accommodations that satisfy their requirements. Simultaneously, efforts are being made to acquire private residences through voluntary agreements, ensuring homeowners receive fair market value, reasonable legal fees, and compensation for home loss and disturbance. This collaborative approach extends rehoming support to all, encompassing both private and council tenants.
The council has expressed a forward-looking vision, aspiring not only to remedy immediate challenges but to foster a revitalisation of the region through a diverse mix of new housing developments. This will involve active cooperation with local communities and potential partners to lay the groundwork for comprehensive regeneration plans, aiming to meet both present and future housing needs.
Aberdeen City Council’s resolute decision underscores their focus on public safety while embarking on an extensive regeneration journey.
