STV NewsCouncil chiefs have ruled out a potential repair solution that could save Torry RAAC homes from being demolished.
Councillors met at the Town House today to hear an update on the ongoing crisis and how it could be dealt with.
Bosses explained four long-term options were being considered to address the “crumbly” material in Balnagask properties.
Members heard of plans to support RAAC panels with a timber frame, replace the roofing, demolish the properties, or demolition with potential replacements.
After receiving engineering advice, the council ruled out a further option to extend supporting shelves.
This solution was axed as it would not address any flexing or cracking of the RAAC panels.
One solution would see a timber support frame added to affected properties, allowing residents to move back to their beloved homes.
If the council chooses to move ahead with this option, the frame would be installed underneath RAAC panels.
The crumbly concrete would remain in the buildings and would not be removed.
It could cost the council up to £22,000 to install a frame in each property, taking around three years to complete the job.
Another option up for debate would see the RAAC roofs removed and replaced.
However, this costly route could see the council shelling out up to £71,000 per home, and take roughly four years to finish.
But the council has yet to rule out demolition.
Balnagask could be cleared of RAAC properties within a year at a cost of £10,000 maximum per house.
But councillor Alex Nicol raised some concerns about the support frame option as he believed it would “require a lot of ongoing monitoring”.
He queried whether the structure would provide enough protection should the RAAC panels eventually fail.
Chief capital officer John Wilson explained that annual inspections would be required going forward if that option was chosen.
Insulation would be placed between the RAAC and wooden panels, with any problems detected by visible water damage.
This prompted more worry from councillor Nicol who asked if the council “realistically” saw this as a long-term solution.
But Mr Wilson explained that even if the panel failed, the building would still be safe, but more repairs would be needed.
Since an emergency RAAC meeting was held in February, 113 leases have been signed and 58 tenants have been rehomed.
A further nine have moved out of Balnagask after making their own arrangements.
The local authority is aiming to have everyone impacted by the worrying material moved out by the end of December.
This comes despite early hopes that all 300 affected households could be shifted by the end of summer.
Housing officers will continue to work with tenants to ensure they are given enough support and accommodation that meets their needs.
Engagement sessions will be held to ensure residents understand each option on the table and the impacts they may have on their lives.
The local authority’s recommended option is expected to be discussed by councillors when they meet on August 21.
Following feedback from tenants, the council has widened mental health and wellbeing support available to residents.
The British Red Cross has offered extra help, while a six-week support group has been set up by Mental Health Aberdeen.
Drop-in sessions hosted by the heath and social care partnership were held in the city last week.
Extra warden patrols are also in action, while waste teams are taking action by carrying out weekly visits in a bid to keep the area tidy.
An increase in fly-tipping had been noted in Torry as more residents move out and opted to leave bulkier pieces of furniture behind.
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