Update on the Dower House in Harlington

Following the fire at the Dower House I convened a meeting for local residents and subsequently I raised our concerns about the future of the property with Hillingdon Council and with Government Ministers in a speech I made in Parliament. As a result, I was able to convene a recent meeting with representatives from English Heritage, Hillingdon Council, the local Conservation Panel and our local Friends of the Dower House steering group to hear how the building was to be protected and renovated.At that meeting we were informed that the site of the house had been designated as a crime scene and a person had been arrested following the fire. The Police have now released the property and a meeting has taken place between the Council and the owner to discuss the renovation of the building. Scaffolding had been put up by the Council to support and protect the building but it is likely that the roof will need to be removed to commence restoration. The discussion over the full renovation of the building has also involved both the owner’s insurers and English Heritage. The renovation project will be a major piece of work given the extent of the damage and the historical significance of the building. Both the Council’s heritage officers and English Heritage have confirmed that they are firmly committed to ensuring the restoration of the building. Along with me, the local Conservation Panel and Local History Society have impressed upon all the agencies and the owner the importance local people place on seeing the building restored. I will be convening a meeting for residents in September/October to invite the relevant council officers to provide a detailed progress report to us all. In addition whenever necessary I will bring together representatives from all the agencies to ensure all that is possible is being done to restore the Dower House as part of our local heritage.

McDonnell MP

submitted by John on 03 Aug 2011 at 15:44