High rise flats in Ayr will be demolished and 90 homes built in their place, councillors decided today.
Tenants from the three Riverside Place blocks will be rehoused in new builds or existing council houses, a full South Ayrshire Council meeting heard.
A consultation revealed 111 of the households want them pulled down while 99 residents wished to stay in the tower blocks.
They were built in 1969 with each of the blocks containing 78 one-bedroom flats.
Councillor Philip Saxton said: “It is acknowledged this has been an upsetting time for tenants as they wait for a decision from the council on the future of the block.”
Councillor Derek McCabe said: “This is not an easy decision. The consequences are far reaching and long lasting,”
He said residents have concerns their close community will be broken up.
Councillor Brian McGinley said: “The days of high rises are over.”
The meeting heard the decision is driven by concerns over the tragic fire in the Grenfell Tower in London.
Commenting on the Ayr high flat tenants, Councillor Douglas Campbell said: "They are among our most vulnerable residents. Many of them use mobility scooters. We need to do the best we can for them."
Councillor Laura Brennan-Whitefield said it is a "fire" and "safety" issue.
Councillor Siobhian Brown wants the council to prioritise the search for suitable replacement homes for the residents.
A lot of the residents have called for ground level accommodation going forward.
The Fort Seafield and Wallacetown Community Council have argued the Ayr tower blocks are safe and “good for 30 years.”
It said: “The structure is 100 per cent safe.”
Refurbishment was the alternative option, which has been rejected.
Councillor Saxton put forward a motion calling for the demolition, which was approved by politicians.
No date for the demolition has been released yet.
Officers are due to write to tenants about the decision.
