Phased demolition approved for Torry RAAC homes

A phased demolition plan for Torry RAAC homes has been approved by Aberdeen councillors.

The communities, housing and public protection committee agreed on proposals which will see more than 500 properties torn down and rebuilt at a cost of £150 million.

The properties which are intended to be demolished in the Torry area are affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC), which was discovered within the roof panels.

Out of the properties, 138 are privately owned and a voluntary purchase scheme is currently underway.

Homeowners are being offered market value for their properties, meaning they are being valued with the presence of RAAC in them.

It was reported in February that only four residents indicated they would accept an offer.

Phased demolition

The first phase approach will see only vacant terraces of council-owned properties demolished.

The council says it will aim to purchase the affected properties to allow for the demolition of follow-on phases "to proceed safely and smoothly".

The second phase will see demolition of buildings where the council have acquired between one and three properties within a terrace.

The third phase includes demolition of terraces where the council has purchased four or more private properties.

The final phase would see the demolition of terraces where the council have acquired four or more private homes where the council have no adjoining ownership within the terrace.

Councillor Miranda Radley, Convener of the Communities, Housing and Public Protection Committee said: “Aberdeen City Council has agreed an indicative plan for the demolition of the unsafe RAAC affected properties it owns, and the council will continue to work with the community as these plans move forward.

“Tailored, one to one support for each and every individual or family living in a RAAC affected property will continue as we progress with voluntary acquisition and the demolition plans are finalised.”

Vice-convener Councillor Dell Henrickson said: “This has been a hard decision that the Council has undertaken, and I would like to extend my thanks to the local community for continuing to engage with us throughout this process.

Design work for the new masterplan for the impacted area is underway and is expected to be considered at a future date.

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