Harrow Council has approved the demolition of two additional blocks at Grange Farm, citing health and safety concerns related to asbestos discovered during ongoing demolition work. While the use of asbestos was unavoidable in certain housing stock, the council is ensuring the demolition is carried out properly.
The decision was made during a Cabinet meeting on 30 October 2025, where members approved a variation to the existing contract with R Collard Ltd. The additional demolition work will bring the total contract value to £916,845. The approval is subject to obtaining prior approval from the Local Planning Authority (LPA). Prior approval from the LPA is a process where certain types of development can be carried out without the need for full planning permission.
According to the meeting minutes from the Printed minutes Thursday 30-Oct-2025 18.30 Cabinet, the initial contract was awarded in April 2025 to begin demolition work on Grange Farm in order to deliver phase 2a, which is 45 new council owned affordable homes. During demolition, the council was made aware of potential health and safety issues relating to the extent of asbestos found in the separation of blocks. The report mentions that the health and safety issues relating to the extent of asbestos found are being appropriately managed
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The discovery of additional asbestos has led to the decision to demolish an additional two blocks at Grange Farm, which were always part of the plan, but this decision moves that demolition earlier in the works. Emma Talbot, Strategic Director for Housing and Regeneration, noted that the decision to demolish the additional blocks was due to health and safety reasons, and that the budget to deliver the additional demolitions was contained within the Housing Revenue Account (HRA) Business Plan.
Councillor Marilyn Ashton added that she was pleased that the council was delivering truly affordable council homes and that the demolition would result in a massive improvement in the quality of life for residents.
