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Prince Charles is 'abusing position' to influence planning decisions
02.09.09
The Prince of Wales uses his position to exert "undue influence" to sway planning decisions, according to a senior architect.
Ruth Reed, the first woman president of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), said correspondence about proposed developments behind the scenes would be "an abuse of his position".
She told BBC Radio Four'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."
Clarence House declined to comment on the claims.
In the past Charles has not been shy about airing his opinions on architecture.
He caused controversy when he intervened in plans for the Chelsea barracks site in west London, urging developers to reconsider the modern design they had chosen.
The royal has long had an interest in the built environment.
In 1984, he made a speech to RIBA calling the proposed National Gallery extension "a monstrous carbuncle on the face of a much-loved and elegant friend".
He also created a "model" village in Dorset, to break the mould of post-Second World War developments, mixing high-density social and private housing with work and leisure facilities.
Reader views (10)
In society there are always a few that have greater influence than others. Planning is first and foremost NOT a democratic process, just ask anyone on one of these commissions! Commissioners, committee members, are often nothing but appointed political cronies and family friends! Any sort of city planning is a subjective, political, ideologue, and money driven process.
Prince Charles is entitled to his opinions, he's entitled to express them, and he's entitled to attempt to persuade others to adopt those opinions just like anyone else.
Grow up.
- Trunk, US
Still taking every opportunity to whinge and snipe, I see.
- Rogan, Irving
The architectural views of Prince Charles are far more in line with my own views, likes and dislikes than are those of many of the nation's leading architects; there is, though, no real prospect of my views ever being heard or seriously considered. The world does, however, pay heed to the views of the Prince of Wales, and I for one am very glad to have such an influential voice making a case on my behalf. Long may he continue to do so.
- Paul G, Newbury, Berks
PC Horrible Horrible man.... shut up
- Mj, East Anglia
What I don't understand is why they persist with the name 'Royal Institute of Architects' instead of 'Institute of Architects' - admittedly it sounds less grand, but it is certainly more fitting.
Modern Architects, dontcha luv 'em? As an example: Cambridge survived WWII completely in tact as Hitler had plans for using it when he got here. In the post-war period 25% of Cambridge - not any old 25%: the Medieval heart of it - was knocked flat to build the modern concrete monstrosity of Lion Yard and a multi-story car-park (to you and me, it all just looks like an old car-park).
Let's face it: there are only 2 kinds of architecture - good and bad. There is good modern architecture and good classical architecture - but RIBA would only let us have the former and Prince Charles would only let us have the latter. Prince Charles puts the situation in balance: without him a load of arrogant self-selecting, self-promoting, self-congratulatory snobs would impose their will on everyone else. Who cares if that's your view of Prince Charles as well - the 2 together keep each other in check.
- Roz, France
Send the planners to Slough - I'll take Windsor.
- Lillian, London
I think Ruth Reed is abusing her position by acting as a mouthpiece for that preening bore, Richard Rogers. It is thanks in part to RIBA that decent domestic architecture came to a halt in this country in the 30s.
- Ellie Proudfoot, Ealing, UK
I think well done to Prince Charles. I don't see anything wrong with him having his say or even trying to influence decisions. Most people do the same, even if most people aren't the prince. I sometimes think that people forget it is not that long ago (comparatively speaking) that the royalty had the right of absolute rule and yet we complain when royalty these days even open their mouths. He has a passion for an issue, he should be allowed to have his say!
- Louise, NZ
Hmm. Well I think the public and our built environment need all the help we can get from vain architects and their grandiose plans. As a non royalist I am perfectly happy to see the Prince using his position to put the breaks on short term thinking. How much have we lost in the post-war era to planners and architects?
- Coys Switz, switzerland
Yet more tedious bile-laden anti-Charles tosh from the Architects' lobby.
Prince Charles should give `em the good old English two-fingered V formation reply, but I suspect he's too much of a decent man to do that.
- Ted, London
