The Planning Inspectorate announced on 25 August 2026 that it had approved the Crown development application concerning Grenfell Tower. The application, submitted by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, was accepted for examination on 27 May 2026.

The approved development covers works to take the tower down to ground level from its original height of 24 storeys. Demolition had begun in September 2025 under permitted development rights. The decision followed a written representations procedure in which the public, statutory consultees and interested parties could make representations. The decision notice, including a statement of reasons, is available on the Crown Development Applications project page.

Under the Crown Development route described in the release, applications judged of national importance can go directly to the Planning Inspectorate rather than local planning authorities, with an independent inspector or panel appointed by the Secretary of State deciding on planning merits. The release defines Crown land by reference to section 293 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990.