Homeowners are considering legal proceedings after learning that the worth of their residences might be reduced by half due to potentially hazardous concrete.
Over 500 residences in Aberdeen are scheduled for demolition and reconstruction in what is the UK’s largest project affected by RAAC.
John Meiklejohn purchased his home three years ago for £120,000, but has been advised that the authorities may only reimburse him £60,000 as compensation when he is compelled to vacate.
He, along with other affected homeowners, is contemplating a potential legal dispute, alleging that the local council, which owned the properties during the time of construction, was aware of RAAC years ago and did not reveal this information to prospective buyers.
The 61-year-old shared with Sky News: “They performed some roof renovations around 12 years ago — they installed plasterboard beneath the RAAC panels.
“Thus, they are completely obscured. The only way anyone could have realized this was RAAC would have been to remove those panels and actually drill into them.”
John Meiklejohn, 61, purchased his home three years ago for £120,000 but has been notified that the authorities may only compensate him £60,000
Mr. Meiklejohn asserts that negligence may have contributed to the situation over the years, stating: “My only recourse from this is [to] obtain fair compensation for the predicament that [the] council has placed us all in because this is the council’s negligence.
“In the end, they sold properties that were essentially unfit for their intended purpose.”
Aberdeen City Council declined to respond to inquiries from Sky News.
A representative indicated that homeowners would receive the “current market value” of their properties along with additional expenses.
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The RAAC crisis
RAAC is an inexpensive, lightweight, “bubbly” substance that was utilized in construction from the 1950s through the 1990s.
It was predominantly utilized for flat roofs — yet also found its way into walls and flooring.
In the 1990s, structural engineers discovered that RAAC lacked durability and had a lifespan of approximately 30 years, jeopardizing building safety and increasing collapse risk.
It is estimated that over 2,000 residences across the UK may be impacted, with a majority located in Scotland.
Lynn Winstanley, 62, lives without a mortgage in her house, which could be bulldozed as early as next year in Aberdeen.
She expressed to Sky News: “I realize that I have nothing to leave my children. If they take away my home, I’m left with absolutely nothing.
“I believe at some point, they (the council) must have been aware. Twelve years ago, homeowners invested £12,000 for added roofing on top.
“At that time, either the council was negligent, or the builders were, because those roofs ought to have been inspected for structural integrity, and it was evident there was deteriorating concrete involved.”
Lynn Winstanley, 62, lives mortgage-free in her home that is set to be bulldozed as early as next year
Aberdeen City Council has stated that support will be provided to those affected by RAAC. The Council commented: “We are working towards acquiring private properties through voluntary agreements, which will enable us to facilitate demolition across the entire site, thereby enhancing prospects for subsequent redevelopment.”
