Balnagask residents asked for feedback on future of RAAC properties

A consultation has been launched exploring four long-term options.

Author: Vanessa WalkerPublished 15th Jul 2024

Balnagask residents are being asked to provide their feedback on the future of homes affected by RAAC.

Aberdeen City Council have launched a consultation around the potential impacts of proposals to reduce or remove RAAC from affected homes in the Torry community.

In February, the collapse-risk concrete was discovered in around 500 homes in the Balnagask area, with 350 occupied by council tenants and 150 owned by private homeowners.

Due to the risk, people were told they would be required to move from their homes as soon as possible.

Since then, 113 leases have been signed and 58 tenants have been rehomed.

However, a question mark still hangs over the heads of private homeowners with most having no option but to stay put until a final decision on the future of the properties is made in August.

Repairs or demolition

The survey explores four long-term options including repairing the homes or demolition.

During a RAAC update last month, it was revealed the cost of repairs could reach a cost of £70,000 per home, whilst demolition could cost £10,000 per home.

It was also stressed that in the event of demolition, a new housing development may not be possible due to financial constraints.

Councillors are due to make a decision in mid-August.

Amie Bruce, Balnagask homeowner member of Torry Community RAAC Campaign said she feels stuck whatever the outcome.

She said: "If they repair the roofs, they're estimating the cost would be between £50,000 and £70,000, which is obviously substantial amount of money that I don't think anyone has to just go and pay out on a new roof.

"So, they're going to have to look at how does that work because all the houses are joined so the council can't repair theirs if the homeowners don't repair theirs so it's going to have a massive knock-on impact on everyone involved."

Information packs are being delivered to all affected residents this week explaining each option.

More details can be found on Aberdeen City Council's website, and the survey ends on 2 August.

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