Dundee building firm claims it is victim of smear campaign

Company speaks out after fire safety investigation into housing project

A Dundee building firm has insisted it is the victim of a smear campaign after a fire safety investigation was launched into one of its housing developments.

Dundee City Council and the Scottish Government launched a joint probe into new homes being built on Whitfield Loan and Summerfield Avenue.

The probe was instigated after a local resident contacted MSP Shona Robison with concerns about wall cavities in the new homes. However, Invertay Homes claims someone is out to sully its name and has brought the matter to police.

A spokesman said they are investigating “offensive comments” posted online. In a social media post, Invertay Homes claims the situation escalated in recent weeks, with the person supposedly writing “malicious” letters to local authorities, central government and “several individuals”.

The firm would not be drawn on who is behind the alleged campaign, or why, saying it does not want to hamper the police investigation.

Ms Robison said: “I raised concerns directly with Dundee City Council and

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When these matters are raised they are investigated thoroughly. To date no major issues have been identified. DUNDEE CITY COUNCIL

understand investigations are under way. I have also been assured residents and myself will be kept updated.”

While no “major” issues have been found in Whitfield, Invertay Homes was ordered to take measures in Dalkeith after a similar investigation there.

A Midlothian Council spokeswoman confirmed issues with the cavity wall fire barriers were detected and the council’s building standards team ordered additional intumescent material be included.

The spokeswoman said: “Subsequent site visits were made to make sure the non-compliance issue was rectified. The work does appear to have been done.”

A Dundee City Council spokeswoman said: “When these matters are raised they are investigated thoroughly by the council. There is an ongoing investigation, which the developer is supporting fully. To date no major issues have been identified.”

Invertay Homes commercial director Michael Pratt said “all of our homes” are built to the “same high building standards”. He added: “There is no fire safety issues on any of our developments Owners of our homes have absolutely nothing to be concerned about with regard to these malicious and unfounded assertions.”

A Scottish Government spokeswoman said: “Officials have made contact with both councils and been assured they are satisfied that there is no reason to suggest the properties are unsafe.”