Menu
02/09/2009
Prince Exerting 'Undue Planning Influence'
A top figure in British architecture has slammed royal interference in planning matters.
The new leader of the Royal Institute of British Architects has hit out at the Prince of Wales for abusing his position by influencing planning decisions.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Front Row programme Ruth Reed, the first woman president of the institute, said: "It is unfortunate if anybody uses their position in public life to exert undue influence on a democratic process such as planning.
"There appears to be evidence that he has written behind the scenes both about planning applications and also about the appointment of particular architects, which would be an abuse of his position, definitely."
Clarence House has declined to comment on the claims.
Earlier this year, Prince Charles intervened in Lord Rogers' scheme to redevelop London's Chelsea Barracks urging a rethink on the modern design.
In a speech before the RIBA in May, he described much of the design as "flawed", preferring an alternative classical design by architect Quinlan Terry.
Around 25 years ago, he famously attacked a proposed National Gallery extension calling it "a monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend".
Last month it was reported that Charles had unsuccessfully tried to intervene in plans to build a modernist building next to St Paul's Cathedral.
(GK/KMcA)
The new leader of the Royal Institute of British Architects has hit out at the Prince of Wales for abusing his position by influencing planning decisions.
Speaking on BBC Radio 4's Front Row programme Ruth Reed, the first woman president of the institute, said: "It is unfortunate if anybody uses their position in public life to exert undue influence on a democratic process such as planning.
"There appears to be evidence that he has written behind the scenes both about planning applications and also about the appointment of particular architects, which would be an abuse of his position, definitely."
Clarence House has declined to comment on the claims.
Earlier this year, Prince Charles intervened in Lord Rogers' scheme to redevelop London's Chelsea Barracks urging a rethink on the modern design.
In a speech before the RIBA in May, he described much of the design as "flawed", preferring an alternative classical design by architect Quinlan Terry.
Around 25 years ago, he famously attacked a proposed National Gallery extension calling it "a monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend".
Last month it was reported that Charles had unsuccessfully tried to intervene in plans to build a modernist building next to St Paul's Cathedral.
(GK/KMcA)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
28 May 2009
Design And Planning Company Fails To Deliver
A company which provided a design service for building conversions - and latterly a design service specifically for planning development applications which had previously been refused - has been wound up in the High Court. This followed an investigation by the Companies Investigation Branch of The Insolvency Service.
Design And Planning Company Fails To Deliver
A company which provided a design service for building conversions - and latterly a design service specifically for planning development applications which had previously been refused - has been wound up in the High Court. This followed an investigation by the Companies Investigation Branch of The Insolvency Service.
23 June 2011
Government Pledges Commitment To Design At Landmark Summit
The Government is to put design at the heart of its plans for economic growth in the UK.
Government Pledges Commitment To Design At Landmark Summit
The Government is to put design at the heart of its plans for economic growth in the UK.
21 September 2011
UK Designers 'Should Help Identify Growth Potential'
The Government today launched a call for evidence on how the UK intellectual property system can better support our globally successful design industry.
UK Designers 'Should Help Identify Growth Potential'
The Government today launched a call for evidence on how the UK intellectual property system can better support our globally successful design industry.
19 July 2011
Energy Planning Reforms Approved By Parliament
Developers of major energy projects in England and Wales will now have greater certainty on how planning applications will be considered after the Energy National Policy Statements (NPS) were designated. This follows approval in a House of Commons vote last night.
Energy Planning Reforms Approved By Parliament
Developers of major energy projects in England and Wales will now have greater certainty on how planning applications will be considered after the Energy National Policy Statements (NPS) were designated. This follows approval in a House of Commons vote last night.
16 April 2004
Britain's homeless to gain from charity week
The homelessness charity Shelter is expected to receive around £120,000 in donations as part of this year's Architecture Week – an event organised Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
Britain's homeless to gain from charity week
The homelessness charity Shelter is expected to receive around £120,000 in donations as part of this year's Architecture Week – an event organised Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA).
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A rather cloudy day with showers. Outbreaks isolated around the east coast where the best of the limited sunshine appears, but occasional elsewhere with thunderstorms developing into the afternoon to the west of Lough Neagh. Winds light. Maximum temperature 20 °C.Tonight:Remaining rather cloudy. The afternoon showers ease during the late evening, before building again overnight. Light east to northeast winds. Minimum temperature 9 °C.
