Laing Homes presented a cheque for almost £3,500 to local charity Choices 4 All at the entrance of its development, RAF Stanmore Park, in Uxbridge Road, Stanmore, on Friday last week.

The money will be used by the charity to help young disabled people find employment.

Demolition of former MOD buildings on the site has already commenced and the latest detailed planning proposal is due to be heard by Harrow councillors on September 6. The plan to build more than 350 homes on the 35-acre site, has been criticised for destroying the environment.

Commenting on the previously submitted plan, John Williams of the Stanmore Planning Action Committee, said: 'The plan leaves a green corridor that is so reduced it offers no ecological value whatsoever.'

If Laing's latest proposal is accepted, the company expects to start building almost immediately with the first residents due to arrive in 2001.