Records show that 366 council and 138 private properties in the Balnagask area are affected by the lightweight building material in roof panels.

Last month, the council agreed to explore four long-term options for the local authority properties – support the panels with a timber frame, replace the roofing, demolish the properties, or demolition with consideration of future housebuilding.

Now a study by AtkinsRéalis has recommended that the homes are demolished, at a cost of £20-25 million, and rebuilt with the project expected to cost more than £150m in total.

According to the report, which will be considered by councillors next week, knocking down the RAAC properties would allow the council to build modern homes that meet current building standards.

It claims that the design of the new properties would create a “modern vibrant environment” and go towards regenerating Balnagask and Torry.

A masterplan would be needed for the new housing estate that would take time to get through the planning process. It is estimated that rebuilding the area could take several years to complete.

Should councillors agree to press ahead with demolition and rebuilding, Balnagask could be flattened by 2028.

It is estimated the final rebuild phase would be finished by August 2033.

Finally, the report mentions that the Torry community would be hugely affected by the process.

Following consideration of external independent engineering advice, an option to extend supporting shelves was ruled out because it would not address the flexing and cracking of the RAAC panels.

In February, the council resolved to rehome all council tenants on safety grounds by the end of 2024 – and that remains the goal regardless of the option chosen by the council when it meets again on 21 August.