http://www.planningresource.co.uk/n...minster-defends-Charles-Chelsea-intervention/
Westminster City Council has stepped in to defend Prince Charles's involvement in the redevelopment of 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.
"I want to assure Ms Reed that Westminster City Council would have had regard to all the views expressed to us, from whatever quarter, alongside the professional advice from our own planning officers, had the committee gone ahead.
"In one respect it is a shame Qatari Diar withdrew before the date of the planning committee, but they were more than aware of the weight of public opinion and a very well organised campaign by local people who had been galvanised into action."
He added: "In due course the local community will be invited for their views on new proposals and the developers have already indicated they wish to involve them from the outset.
Possibly because the British tend to have their own view of what might be aesthetically pleasing. What one person 'sees' as ideal is seen as a complete mess by others.
