A Dundee West End councillor said he “does not accept” advice about the demolition of a block of flats in the area was “misleading”.
However, Councillor Fraser Macpherson admitted he knew not everybody was going to be happy with the decision to demolish the 26 homes on Blackness Road.
He spoke out after Dundee’s former housing convener Jimmy Black claimed a report into the building’s future did not consider the views of residents, who were all said to be opposed to the demolition.
West End councillor Fraser Macpherson said: “I do not accept that councillors were in any way misled in making the decision about the future of the flats and the decision to go for new-build flats for residents.
“Officers provided extensive information and answered all questions.
“I do, however, accept that not everyone was going to be happy with the decision – whichever one was eventually agreed – but it should be remembered that the majority of residents consulted agreed with the re-building option.
“I have been in correspondence with Jimmy Black and agreed to meet with him along with senior council officers in the near future.
“I have invited ward colleagues to attend – I always think it’s good to talk and discuss any concerns any of the residents have.”
Some of the flats, originally built in the 1890s, have had problems with the external rear stairwell in recent years.
Councillors were told the stairs have a maximum five-year lifespan before they become too dangerous to use. Roofs are also subject to persistent leaks.
Demolishing and redeveloping the flats will cost around £4.5 million.
Private owners of flats in the block will receive buy backs and associated payments, estimated to cost the council £800,000 in total.
Councillors voted to demolish the homes, as well as a single shop unit, in November last year.
A report submitted to the council’s neighbourhood services committee on October 30 said the majority of residents favoured demolition after it was revealed repairing the century-old flats would cost between £880,000 and £1.2 million.
However, Mr Black claimed that some of the people recorded as residents were in fact landlords, who would stand to gain from the demolition.
