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Blow for Prince Charles as planners back Chelsea Barracks design
Ruth Bloomfield11 Jun 2009
Prince Charles's attempts to derail the £1billion redevelopment of Chelsea Barracks have suffered a setback.
The Prince of Wales sparked outrage among architects by writing to the Qatari developers of the scheme, calling on them to reconsider the design, even offering an alternative.
But the official planning report on the barracks proposals has now given strong backing to the Lord Rogers-designed plans and even praised the project.
The 122-page report welcomes the affordable housing included in the scheme, saying that it "represents an opportunity to contribute to the City Council's housing targets".
The report does reveal the council has received more than 400 of letters of objection to the plans - and 61 in support - which it is claimed will ruin views of the historic Royal Hospital site.
But it brushes aside claims that the housing is too high density, saying that government guidance "encourages" high density schemes in urban areas.
Crucially the report also rejects complaints that the modern hexagonal pavilions are too tall and will spoil the historic setting.
"Officers consider the schemeto be one of exceptionally high quality," the report concludes.
"When compared to the inappropriate and disjointed collection of Sixties buildings on the sitethe proposed development, by a combination of its architecture, generous open space and treatment of spaces between buildings, will significantly enhance the immediate townscape."
The Chelsea Barracks development includes 548 flats, including 274 affordable units earmarked for key workers and people on low incomes.
The report welcomes plans for a new sports centre and hotel on the 12.8-acre site and is "satisfied" new shops and restaurants would not cause a problem to local people.
It dismisses suggestions that the new buildings will overshadow the homes of people living nearby.
Prince Charles had asked the developers to drop the Rogers scheme in favour of a more conventional design by his favourite architect Quinlan Terry.
Earlier this month it was reported that the developer, Qatari Diar, was so alarmed by the prince's intervention and the wave of public debate that it was on the point of dropping the Rogers scheme despite having spent an estimated £30million developing it.
The application will be considered by Westminster Council next Thursday.
Even if it grants permission for the project it is thought that Qatari Diar is still keen to negotiate with the prince and other objectors.
Reader views (1)
There is no indication who published the "official planning report" (what makes it "official"?) and therefore no way of determining what, if any, the inherent biases might be.
- David, London, UK, 11/06/2009 17:16
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