DEMOLISHING and rebuilding more than 500 properties in Aberdeen affected by potentially dangerous concrete is the best option for the future of the homes, a council report has found.
The work is expected to cost more than £150m.
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Reinforced autoclaved aerated concrete (RAAC) was identified in the homes in the city’s Balnagask area earlier this year – including 366 council properties.
Councillors will be asked on Wednesday to move to the £25m demolition phase, which could take up four years.
The council is expected to negotiate purchasing the 138 privately owned homes for market value prior to demolition.
Scottish Conservative North East MSP Liam Kerr, who has met residents affected by the RAAC issue, has commented on the latest developments.
He said: “This development will require astronomical sums of money at a time when councils such as Aberdeen are having their budgets slashed.
“It’s therefore a necessity that the Scottish Government delivers the essential funding needed to cope with Aberdeen’s depleted housing stock.
“Since RAAC was first discovered in Balnagask, next to no support has been given to tenants and homeowners who have been left in the dark.
“Residents are understandably worried about their future and the onus is now on the council to work with the Scottish Government to ensure this process runs smoothly for everyone involved.”
