Torry RAAC crisis: More than 500 homes to be demolished

Published 21st Aug 2024
Last updated 21st Aug 2024

More than 500 homes in Balnagask containing RAAC are to be demolished, Aberdeen City councillors have decided.

A report went before councillors today at the town house advising of the move following consultation with residents.

Earlier this year, 366 council-owned properties and 138 privately-owned properties in the area were found to contain the dangerous concrete.

Residents were sent letters advising them to leave their homes in February.

RAAC is highly porous - with steel reinforcements less well-bonded than in traditional concrete - making roof liable to collapse suddenly.

In the last six months, 151 council tenants have been relocated to alternative accommodation and the council has set a target to complete the rest of the moves by the end of the year.

Consultation with residents

Following consultation with residents, a report which went before councillors today recommended the preferred option for the site is to demolish and eventually rebuild the homes.

The demolition phase is expected to take up to 4 years at a cost of around £25 million.

The local authority will be tasked with entering negotiations with private homeowners to purchase properties at market value.

It is noted within the report that "Market Value would be at the date of valuation and any market valuation would therefore reflect the presence of RAAC in the property at the cost of remediation and solution.

"In some circumstances this will be less than the price paid for properties and will create negative equity situations for owners and their mortgage providers."

Private-owners could be left in negative equity

Wilson Chowdhry set up the UK RAAC Campaign after his 19-year-old daughter, Hannah, bought her first home in Torry to later discover she had been caught up in the crisis.

Mr Chowdhry expressed his fears that his daughter could be left with huge amounts of debt if the pay-out she receives does not cover the cost of her mortgage.

He said: "She could then be required to pay off this mortgage and additionally on that, she would have to pay rent on a new property - it just doesn't make sense.

"I really do hope that some intervention happens soon, whether that be from the Scottish Government or UK Government but definitely there are going to be desperate people that need assistance."

He has been calling on Scottish and UK Government intervention to provide additional funding for the council to ensure no homeowner or council tenant is left out of pocket.

"There has to be a realisation that people are not going to give their homes up that easily, that there well could be a legal battle.

"This will be embarrassing for governments, this will be embarrassing for councils.

"It's going to be difficult for councils - I can't imagine council officers actually want to do this. I think they are finding that their hands are tied because no national budget has been created."

Residents have gathered for several rallies outside the Town House.

He believes a real solution to the problem must be government-led.

Mr. Chowdhury continued: "I want them to say 'we're taking responsibility for this, if we need to get the money from UK Government, we'll get it from them but one way or the other we're here to find you a solution'.

"That's how governments should be talking. Why do people elect their MPs or MSPs? To support them in their times of need - I hope that happens."

Scottish Government working alongside council

The Scottish Government said it has been working alongside the local authority and will continue to work alongside councillors to ensure affected residents are supported.

A Scottish Government spokesperson said: "We recognise that this is a worrying time for people who have concerns about RAAC in their homes.

“The Scottish Government has held constructive discussions with Aberdeen City Council throughout their options appraisal process for homes impacted by poor condition RAAC and have supported the exploration of options for the Council to consider.

“The final decision on the preferred option is for the Council. We will continue to work together with the local authority on their preferred option to ensure that the affected households are supported appropriately.”

The UK Government has been contacted for comment.

Hear all the latest news from the North East of Scotland on Northsound 1. Listen on FM, via our Rayo app, DAB, or smart speaker.