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Architects' leader attacks prince Architects' leader attacks prince
(about 1 hour later)
The Prince of Wales is abusing his position by influencing planning decisions, the new leader of the Royal Institute of British Architects says.The Prince of Wales is abusing his position by influencing planning decisions, the new leader of the Royal Institute of British Architects says.
Ruth Reed said there was evidence the prince had "written behind the scenes" about planning applications and the appointment of particular architects.Ruth Reed said there was evidence the prince had "written behind the scenes" about planning applications and the appointment of particular architects.
This year, he criticised Lord Rogers' scheme to redevelop London's Chelsea Barracks - the plan was later dropped.This year, he criticised Lord Rogers' scheme to redevelop London's Chelsea Barracks - the plan was later dropped.
Clarence House has declined to respond to the comments made on BBC Radio 4.Clarence House has declined to respond to the comments made on BBC Radio 4.
Ms Reed took up her position as president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba) on Tuesday and is the first woman appointed to the role.Ms Reed took up her position as president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (Riba) on Tuesday and is the first woman appointed to the role.
She told Radio 4's Front Row: "It is unfortunate if anybody uses their position in public life to exert undue influence on a democratic process such as planning.She told Radio 4's Front Row: "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.""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."
'Flawed' design'Flawed' design
Lord Rodgers was angered when his £1bn glass and steel plan for 552 flats at the barracks was branded "unsympathetic" by the prince, who preferred an alternative classical design by architect Quinlan Terry.Lord Rodgers was angered when his £1bn glass and steel plan for 552 flats at the barracks was branded "unsympathetic" by the prince, who preferred an alternative classical design by architect Quinlan Terry.
The prince continued his attack on modernist architecture in a speech before the Royal Institute of British Architects in May, in which he said much of the design was "flawed". But Councillor Robert Davis, Westminster City Council's deputy leader and cabinet member for the built environment, has defended Prince Charles's involvement in the debate over Chelsea Barracks.
He said: "Contrary to Ms Reed's comments, the prince has not derailed the democratic planning process, but has actually encouraged a healthy debate which is part and parcel of the planning process.
"Our democratically elected planning committee, which is the accountable body for these decisions, would have considered all views without fear or favour.
"Nearly 500 people wrote in to the council to make their views known.
"Indeed, Prince Charles's comments may well have empowered people to enter the debate as it made them aware that planning is not some mysterious process behind closed doors, but is conducted in public and everyone is entitled to a view, be they a peer of the realm, a prince or a private citizen."
'Carbuncle' comment
Prince Charles had continued his attack on modernist architecture in a speech before the Royal Institute of British Architects in May, in which he said much of the design was "flawed".
His comments came 25 years after he famously attacked a proposed National Gallery extension as a "carbuncle".His comments came 25 years after he famously attacked a proposed National Gallery extension as a "carbuncle".
Earlier this month, the prince attracted more criticism after it emerged he unsuccessfully tried to intervene over plans for a modernist building next to St Paul's Cathedral.Earlier this month, the prince attracted more criticism after it emerged he unsuccessfully tried to intervene over plans for a modernist building next to St Paul's Cathedral.
In 2005, he had written a private letter to developers expressing his concerns about a steel and glass complex in such a location.In 2005, he had written a private letter to developers expressing his concerns about a steel and glass complex in such a location.
On that occasion, the prince's aides said he was entitled to express his opinions in a private letter.On that occasion, the prince's aides said he was entitled to express his opinions in a private letter.