The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has submitted a planning application to the Planning Inspectorate for the final phase of deconstructing Grenfell Tower. This application is distinct from the planning process for the tower's memorial, which will be submitted later this year by the community-led design team Freehaus.
Background and Process
Work to take down Grenfell Tower began in September 2025, with an expected duration of around two years. Previously, the deconstruction was authorized under a permitted development planning application, which only lasts for 12 months. To continue the process, a Crown Development Application has now been sent to the Planning Inspectorate, to be decided by the Secretary of State.
Survivors and bereaved families have made it clear they did not want Kensington and Chelsea Council involved in future decisions regarding Grenfell, which is why the council will not determine the application itself. The MHCLG is handling the process to ensure independence.
Ministerial Statement
Alison McGovern MP, Minister for Local Government and Homelessness, wrote to Joe Powell, MP for North Kensington, explaining the decision. She stated: “I would like to start by recognising the sensitivity of the Grenfell Tower and the deep trauma experienced by residents regarding this awful tragedy. You will know that Minister Samantha Dixon is the Minister responsible for the Grenfell community and Tower. However, to protect the independence of the planning decision making process, a different Minister must take planning decisions related to the Tower. I am writing to you as the Minister responsible for those decisions on behalf of the Secretary of State. Please be assured that MHCLG’s Ministers and officials stand ready to support you and your constituents through this process.”
Environmental and Safety Concerns
The planning application addresses several concerns about the effects of the deconstruction. The MHCLG has stated that there will be extensive monitoring and suppression of dust at the site. Noise will be mitigated by using well-silenced equipment, and vibration monitoring will be implemented. Another concern is the potential presence of bat roosts in the building's crevices and nesting birds in nearby trees. To address this, the project will deploy static bat detectors and conduct floor-by-floor endoscope checks of crevices.
Next Steps
The Planning Inspectorate will review the application, and the Secretary of State will make a final decision. The deconstruction of the tower is a sensitive process, and the government has emphasized its commitment to supporting the Grenfell community throughout.
