In Aberdeen’s Balnagask area, the impending demolition of homes built with dangerous RAAC material is sparking emotional and financial struggles, as residents like widow Seiyefa Van Der Kist resist council buyouts and face losing their cherished homes.
The plight of homeowners trapped in properties constructed with Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) is becoming increasingly pronounced in Aberdeen, particularly in the Balnagask area of Torry. Seiyefa Van Der Kist, a 60-year-old widow, shares a poignant story of loss as she grapples with the impending demolition of her home—one of the many built with this lightweight yet now infamous material. The emotional weight of her situation is palpable as she reflects on the sacrifices made after her late husband’s death.
Seiyefa moved to Torry in 2012, using her late husband Will’s life insurance to purchase a modest three-bedroom home on Pentland Crescent, pouring nearly £56,000 into a deposit. She now finds herself among the 97% of residents resisting Aberdeen City Council’s Voluntary Acquisition scheme, which some homeowners perceive as undervaluing their properties. The council has managed to secure ownership of just four out of 138 such homes, a mere 3% as the vast majority hold on to their properties, hoping for better financial propositions.
The emotional toll of this uncertainty is evident. As Seiyefa confides, “I feel I’ve let my husband down,” a sentiment echoed by many who are bound to their homes not solely out of financial considerations, but deep personal connections. She laments the notion of uprooting herself from a community she cherishes, stating, “I love where I live… the thought of leaving makes me very sad.” This community aspect resonates deeply in narratives across the affected areas, as many residents have formed strong bonds built on shared experiences of hardship and resilience.
Aberdeen City Council has publicly acknowledged the challenges that come with enforcing its voluntary buy-back scheme. Reports indicate that approximately 500 homes in the Balnagask area have been flagged for potential demolition, a decision that has not been made lightly. The council has cited safety risks associated with RAAC and stated that demolishing and rebuilding these homes would be the most effective and expedient solution. The destruction and subsequent reconstruction could incur costs of over £150 million, adding to the weight of an already strained budget as the local authority navigates this crisis.
Community engagement and consultations appear to have shaped the council’s decisions, as has the recognition of broader structural integrity issues. Inspections, comprising assessments of over 22,000 council homes for RAAC, have highlighted the pressing need for action in the face of potential safety hazards. Despite assurances from the council regarding ongoing support for affected residents—promising to keep them updated on developments—delays and insufficient engagement have compounded frustrations.
Seiyefa is not alone in her distress; her health has unsurprisingly suffered under the strain of uncertainty. Many residents report sleepless nights and heightened anxiety found in communities reeling from similar threats of displacement. A spokesperson for the local authority insists that they are dedicated to transparency and communication with all stakeholders, yet for residents like Seiyefa, the looming spectre of demolition stirs feelings of helplessness and fear for the future.
“I can’t let them take the last thing I have that reminds me of my late husband,” she declares, underscoring her determination to fight back against a system that appears indifferent to her plight. Her resilience highlights the human cost of bureaucratic decisions, as she and her neighbours push back against low valuations and inadequate offers, calling instead for greater acknowledgment of their emotional ties to their properties.
As Aberdeen City Council navigates these troubled waters, it is clear that the ramifications of RAAC transcend mere structural concerns; they touch the very fabric of community life. The encapsulating challenge ahead is not only to ensure the safety of its housing stock but also to honour the emotional and social bonds that define the neighbourhoods in Torry.
Reference Map
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.pressandjournal.co.uk/fp/news/6746072/aberdeen-widow-trapped-by-raac-in-torry-shares-story/ – Please view link – unable to able to access data
- https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/news/housing-stock-aberdeen-be-checked-raac – Aberdeen City Council is reviewing over 22,000 council homes for the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC), a lightweight building material used between the 1950s and 1990s. While RAAC is not expected to be widespread, inspections have identified approximately 500 properties in the Balnagask area of Torry as potentially containing RAAC. The council is collaborating with independent structural engineers to assess these properties and determine necessary actions. Residents have been informed about the next steps, and the council is committed to keeping them updated on any developments.
- https://www.aberdeencity.gov.uk/news/demolition-safest-option-raac-affected-homes – Aberdeen City Council has decided to demolish and rebuild council homes affected by Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in the Balnagask area of Torry. This decision follows independent surveys, a detailed options appraisal, and extensive community engagement. The demolition is considered the most cost-effective and swift method to address the safety risks posed by RAAC. The estimated cost for demolition and rebuilding is over £150 million, with the process expected to take several years. The council is committed to supporting residents throughout this transition.
- https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cgm7wmvky4ro – BBC News reports that Aberdeen City Council has approved plans to demolish and rebuild over 500 homes in the Balnagask area of Torry due to the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). The council’s decision follows independent surveys and community consultations. The demolition is estimated to cost between £20 million and £25 million and is expected to take up to four years. Rebuilding the homes is projected to cost over £130 million and could take between five and 15 years. Discussions with the Scottish government regarding funding are ongoing.
- https://www.housingtoday.co.uk/news/aberdeen-city-council-decides-demolition-is-the-safest-option-for-500-raac-homes/5131131.article – Housing Today reports that Aberdeen City Council has decided to demolish and rebuild 504 homes containing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in their roof panels. The council considered various options, including roof replacement, but determined that demolition and rebuilding would be the most cost-effective and timely solution to address the safety risks associated with RAAC. The estimated cost for demolition and rebuilding is over £130 million, with the process expected to take between five and 15 years. The council plans to purchase private properties affected by RAAC by voluntary agreement to facilitate the demolition process.
- https://www.agcc.co.uk/news-article/hundreds-of-aberdeen-homes-to-be-demolished-over-raac-fears – The Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce reports that over 500 homes in Aberdeen’s Balnagask area are to be demolished and rebuilt due to the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC). The council considered several remedies, including roof replacement, but determined that demolition was the quickest and most cost-effective way to address the high risk posed by RAAC. The demolition is estimated to cost between £20 million and £25 million, with rebuilding costs expected to exceed £130 million. The council is committed to supporting residents throughout this process.
- https://www.housingregulator.gov.scot/about-us/news/regulator-publishes-further-update-on-reinforced-autoclaved-aerated-concrete-raac-in-social-housing/ – The Scottish Housing Regulator has published an update on the presence of Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) in social housing. Thirteen landlords, including Aberdeen City Council, have identified RAAC in some of their homes, affecting a total of 1,994 properties. The Regulator has engaged with these landlords to ensure they have appropriate management plans for the affected homes and will continue to update information as investigations progress. RAAC was used in construction between the 1950s and 1990s and is no longer used in buildings in Scotland.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative discusses ongoing issues with RAAC in Aberdeen, focusing on current residents’ concerns. There are no clear indications that the content is outdated or recycled.
Quotes check
Score:
9
Notes:
Seiyefa Van Der Kist’s quotes appear original to the narrative. Without further online evidence of similar quotes, it suggests these are first-hand accounts.
Source reliability
Score:
7
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Press and Journal, a local news source. While local news outlets can provide valuable insights, they might not hold the same level of international recognition as larger media outlets like the BBC or Reuters.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The claims about RAAC-related demolition and resident resistance align with known issues in the UK. The narrative mentions relevant local authority actions and resident concerns, which are plausible in the context of safety risks and community attachment.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative appears to be well-timed, discussing ongoing RAAC issues in Aberdeen. The quotes seem original, and while the source has local standing, it’s not universally known. The scenario described is plausible given the known RAAC challenges and community reactions.
