Prince Charles causes rethink on £1 billion housing scheme

Developers behind a £1 billion housing scheme on the former site of Chelsea Barracks (pictured) have agreed to hold talks about the proposed design after Prince Charles called it "unsuitable".

The heir to the throne wrote privately to the Arabian Qatari royal family who are financing the scheme, saying the proposed modernist style would be "unsympathetic" to the area.

Charles, who has always taken a keen interest in architecture and famously once describing a proposed extension to the National Gallery as a "monstrous carbuncle'", has recommended a more traditional, classical design drawn up by his favourite designer Quinian Terry. Bosses will reportedly meet critics and architects to moderate the plans on Wednesday.

Photo: © Rex