Residents living in RAAC-affected properties in Aberdeen consider legal action

Aberdeen residents living in homes affected by potentially dangerous RAAC say they’re considering legal action.

In the once tight-knit community of Balnagask, in the Torry area of the city, the RAAC issue has torn neighbours apart.

It’s been a year since residents were told they needed to move out as soon as possible because of the risk of their homes collapsing.

But many residents remain 12 months on.

While most council tenants have been rehoused, many homeowners say they won’t be moved.

They’re fearful RAAC will leave them homeless or in financial ruin by paying a mortgage on a property not fit for purpose.

Homeowner Gwen Anderson told STV News: “My husband and I are in our seventies. We don’t have a mortgage and we wouldn’t get a mortgage. What are we supposed to do? We will be homeless.”

There are also concerns about safety as more homes in the area start to become vacant.

“Houses around us are being emptied as council tenants are moving. It’s quite dark at night, so it’s quite eerie,” said fellow homeowner Janice Mackie.

In August, Aberdeen City Council voted to demolish and rebuild all 500 homes.

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

Residents say they’ll be left paying mortgages and could be thousands of pounds in debt.

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.

Only four offers have been accepted so far. But despite this, the local authority says it will continue with the scheme.

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.”

An Aberdeen City Council spokesperson said: “The health and safety of residents remains a priority and that inspections continue to be carried out in RAAC-affected properties.

“The voluntary acquisition process remains the preferred option for homes in private ownership and this continues to progress.

“Officers will explore the alternative options proposed by the Torry RAAC Campaign Group Management Committee including the benefits and risks associated with each option alongside any other identified opportunities to support owners, and will report the findings to a future meeting of the Communities Housing and Public Protection Committee.

“The proposed compensation package for the voluntary acquisition of privately owned properties is being negotiated by the Valuation Office Agency (VOA), an independent organisation, on behalf of Aberdeen City Council. The VOA is following the process in accordance with statutory guidance.

“The discussions to date regarding market value are only being conducted with those homeowners who have given their consent. Each claim is based on its own merit and will vary on individual circumstances.

“The council continues to hold meetings with key stakeholders and individuals and and we continue to explore funding options.”