It is not possible for the PRB to give an indication of how long the validation process may take. Timescales are dependent on a number of variable factors including the volume / geographical spread of applications and the complexities that the review process may present.

Following validation, the application is referred to the Housing Agency and the Assessment, Verification and Recommendation Process is undertaken. Confirmation that the damage recorded  in the Building Condition Assessment is attributable to pyritic heave will be confirmed at this stage. This may involve inspection of the dwelling and the testing of the hardcore material. The Housing Agency will be responsible for the testing of dwellings and the implementation of the remediation process.

If an application does not meet the conditions of eligibility, the PRB will refuse the application and will notify the applicant of the reason(s) for this decision. The applicant may appeal the decision to the Board of the PRB within 28 days.

The Board has prescribed procedures for the hearing and determination of appeals regarding the refusal of an application. These procedures and the prescribed application form can be found here: Appeals Procedure.

If the Assessment, Verification and Recommendation Process establishes that the damage is attributable to pyritic heave, the dwelling is eligible for inclusion in the Scheme. The applicant will be notified accordingly and is referred to as a ‘scheme participant’ thereafter.

Where the Board becomes aware that a builder or developer of a dwelling, has instituted or invoked dispute resolution procedures arising out of or in connection with pyritic heave affecting a dwelling owned by an applicant, the making of a decision in relation to that dwelling may be deferred.

The applicant will be given the opportunity to make a submission.  Such deferrals will also be reviewed periodically and may be appealed to the Appeals Officer within 28 days of the decision to defer.

Dwellings are grouped together for the purpose of a project-based programme of pyrite remediation.

The Housing Agency has established framework panels of Engineers and Works Contractors.

A tender process is undertaken to appoint an Engineer from a framework panel, who will prepare a remedial works plan and specification for the remediation of the dwelling.

A tender process is then undertaken to employ a Works Contractor from a framework panel, who will carry out remediation works in accordance with the agreed contract and specification.

The remediation work will be supervised by an Engineer appointed by the Housing Agency.

It is not possible to give an indication of how long a scheme participant may have to wait for work to commence.

In the administration of the Scheme the PRB will, in determining priorities, have regard to:

1. the relative severity and impact of damage attributable to pyritic heave in dwellings,
2. the relative urgency of the need for remediation,
3. the resources (including financial resources) available or likely to be available to the PRB for the Scheme,
4. any recommendation from the Housing Agency as to the priority that may be afforded to the remediation of a particular dwelling, and
5. the readiness of projects to proceed, technical considerations and the availability of alternative accommodation.