Council moves on with plans for residents to return to RAAC affected homes

Councillors have pledged to move forward with plans which would see residents return to their Tillicoultry homes.

The decision by Clackmannanshire Council comes despite an open letter sent on behalf of private homeowners earlier this week asking for a “pause” on the preferred RAAC remediation proposal.

The householders asked that the strategic director of place, Kevin Wells, allow time for consideration of another method of repair.

The letter said that the ReGrid structural reinforcement system offered a cheaper, faster, and less disruptive solution than the full roof replacements currently on the table.

However, Mr Wells told members of Clackmannanshire Council at their meeting on Thursday that they did not believe further delays should take place.

“There is no need for the council to delay or postpone or not take this action forward,” he said, adding that the material being suggested had only been used in one industrial setting that he knew of and was to be used as a pilot of one home affected by RAAC elsewhere.

Three blocks of flats on Chapelle Crescent, High Street and Park Street have been left vacant since September and October 2023 after concerns over the presence of RAAC, a concrete substance that can put buildings at risk of collapse.

In June this year, Clackmannanshire Council agreed to progress with two options which would see the roof on the blocks replaced and possibly the upgrading of the render on the outside of the buildings.

While two homes have had sales completed, others are being progressed, the council is still to have solutions agreed with all homeowners.

Councillors this week approved proposals that further actions could be pursued if owners were not legally committed to any of the voluntary opportunities by the end of March next year.

This could mean a compulsory purchase order option used if no other solution was identified.

Clackmannanshire Central councillor Jane McTaggart said it was necessary to bring the situation to a successful conclusion.

“I think we can speak for all of us in this chamber and all the officers involved when I say we empathise fully with those affected by this awful situation but we must find a way which allows everyone including this council to move on from this,” she said.

“Significant progress has been achieved in addressing issues related to RAAC affected properties.

“There has been positive engagement and resolution in some cases. Nevertheless, there remains a few owners whose concerns have not been satisfied. Discussions continue in an effort to find acceptable solutions.

“The paper talks about the possibility of seeking a route under the compulsory purchase orders. This is by no means the preferred option. This is a last resort option but, in my opinion, a necessary one if we are to prevent this situation from dragging on for many more months if not years. During which time, buildings will deteriorate further.

“This has been a terrible time for all concerned and I understand that but we must find a way forward.”

Councillor Scott Harrison acknowledged it had been a “terrible time” for affected residents.

“The issue needs to be progressed not only for the residents but also so officers in the housing team can get back to focusing on the other 5,000 tenancies they are responsible for,” he said.

“There is a real need to get properties back into service.”

Councillor Kenneth Earle said the situation was impacting on the physical and mental health of those involved.

“It must have been one heck of a situation to find themselves in,” he said. “I think what we are talking about here is moving the situation on. We really must move the situation on. We cannot let it drag on any longer.

“Everyone has been trying to reach a common decision on this.”

Councillor Donald Balsillie added: “We recognise the stress owners and tenants are faced with however I believe this paper provides the framework for a way forward

“I believe the council has done its best in terms of representing owners and tenants to try and find a solution. It is my view that if it wasn’t for the council, we would not be as far ahead as we are.

“I fully acknowledge that each owner has their own individual issues to face.

“We already have contracts agreed and any further delay would just cause further delivery problems.”