Collapse-risk homes to be demolished and rebuilt amid safety fears

Homes built with a collapse-risk concrete in a Scots city will be demolished and rebuilt after recommendations by safety experts.

More than 500 homes in Aberdeen affected by reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (Raac) will be torn down after city council representatives accepted recommendations from independent surveyors, who found that demolition was the best option to remove the high-risk lightweight concrete.

An estimated 366 council homes and a further 138 addresses in the Balnagask area of Torry, Aberdeen, have Raac in their roof panels.

Miranda Radley, convener of the council’s communities, housing and public protection committee, 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.”

Council tenants will be rehomed and will have a say in where they are placed.

Aberdeen City Council will also aim to purchase the private properties by voluntary agreement to allow demolition to proceed safely and smoothly.

The authority said it will offer the market value of properties to owners as well as reasonable legal costs and home loss and disturbance payments.

It is expected the demolition and landscaping will cost around £20 million to £25 million and will take three to four years.

According to the council, rebuilding homes in the area will cost £130 million or more, and will take between five to 15 years.

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 is to request a meeting to discuss funding support for the short-term costs and longer-term housing development requirements.

The process of rehoming tenants has been ongoing since the decision of the urgent business committee in February.

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.