The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has formally submitted a planning application to the Planning Inspectorate for the final deconstruction of Grenfell Tower, excluding its basement. This application is distinct from the upcoming planning submission for a permanent memorial on the site.
Background and Process
Deconstruction of the tower began in September 2025 and is expected to take approximately two years. The current application was necessitated because a previous "permitted development" planning permission, which authorized the initial take-down, was only valid for 12 months. The decision to use a Crown Development Application, decided by the Secretary of State, was made following the wishes of survivors and bereaved families that Kensington and Chelsea Council should not be involved in future decisions regarding Grenfell.
Ministerial Statement
Alison McGovern MP, Minister for Local Government and Homelessness, wrote to Joe Powell MP for North Kensington, explaining the planning process. 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 Measures
The application addresses several concerns regarding the deconstruction. MHCLG has stated that extensive monitoring and suppression of dust will be implemented at the site. Noise will be mitigated through well-silenced equipment and vibration monitoring. Additionally, potential bat roosts in the building's crevices and nesting birds in nearby trees will be managed by deploying static bat detectors and conducting floor-by-floor endoscope checks of crevices.
Memorial Plans
Following the deconstruction, a permanent memorial designed through a community-led process by Freehaus will be submitted for planning approval. The Grenfell fire in 2017 claimed 72 lives.
