Councillors have ordered the owners of a fire-damaged tenement to replace its lost roof.
They agreed to have a work notice served on 14 Garland Place despite a claim from a developer that the move was unnecessary and “vigorously opposed” by the owners. The tenement has been empty since the blaze two years ago.
Mylnefield Properties project manager Mark Harris told the housing committee he represented nine of the 10 owners.
He disagreed with the council’s contention that a new roof was needed to prevent further damage to the building and to the adjacent number 12 and took issue with the suggested £180,000 cost.
Mr Harris said: “The majority of the owners of 14 Garland Place are fully committed to having the building restored and have repeatedly requested meetings with the council to have pre-building warrant application talks and the council have refused to agree to a meeting.
“The report also states that the council have spent £80,000 of taxpayers’ money carrying out works on this building but to date have recovered nothing towards the costs, although the council has confirmed that the owners have never been told about the works nor have they received an invoice or breakdown of these costs.”
He insisted the tenement was not unsafe and the use of powers to serve a work notice was unnecessary and premature.
City development director Mike Galloway said he was concerned about the prospect of further deterioration in the condition of the building.
Councillor Kevin Keenan said the owners would have a chance to “respond positively” to the work notice and carry out the repair themselves.
The committee also agreed to promote a compulsory purchase order for number 14. This would have to be confirmed by the Scottish Government before the council would be allowed to buy the property.
Administration leader Ken Guild said a CPO would be a last resort.
A report explained it would allow a range of possibilities for the return of the building to residential use to be explored.