Phased demolition of hundreds of RAAC-affected properties in Aberdeen agreed

Demolition work on hundreds of homes in Aberdeen containing potentially dangerous concrete (RAAC) could begin as early as this summer.

Aberdeen City Council is looking to demolish and rebuild more than 500 properties in Balnagask.

The authority is offering homeowners a price for their properties at the current market value but deducting the cost of the RAAC roof panels.

The majority of council tenants have been relocated, while the remaining homeowners say they won’t move until they receive offers that won’t leave them in thousands of pounds of debt.

The local authority approved the demolition proposals on Tuesday, with the first phase beginning as early as this summer.

Vacant groups of homes completely owned by the council will be demolished first, followed by larger properties and some properties whose owners have accepted the valuation process.

Many homeowners say they’re losing thousands because the process includes the current valuations but taking out the cost of the RAAC roof panels.

Some offers have been half of what residents feel the properties are worth.

RAAC-affected homeowners take their fight to the Scottish Government STV News

They’re calling for alternative proposals to be considered.

The housing committee is set to meet with campaigners about the proposals, which include ring-fencing properties and removing the RAAC.

Stephen Mitchell is one resident who is engaging in the valuation process. He’s been offered half of what he says his home is worth.

“We have a three-bedroom terrace house, and we were offered £68,000,’’ he told STV News.

“I think if we were able to sell on the open market prior to this we would probably have hoped to sell the house for double that.”

The majority of residents still living in Torry are choosing not to engage in the voluntary acquisition process, with some branding it as a failure.

But those leading the campaign, like John Meiklejohn, are refusing to leave and say no stone will be left unturned.

“At the values that are currently offering us, then we need to push either for a full statutory inquiry or we’re not taking legal action off the table,’’ John told STV News.

“That’s a last resort. We’d rather not use it, but it’s something that we do have to consider to get a fair and equitable deal.”

In the last year, most of the council tenants have been rehoused. Paula Fraser was one of them, she moved after living in Torry for more than 60 years.

But the move came with many challenges.

“I do love the house but the mould and damp is just horrendous, I’m having to take every room back to the very basics. I have to admit I do feel quite lonely.”