Kit Malthouse, one of Boris Johnson’s deputy mayors, has called for a public inquiry into the proposals for Chelsea barracks if Westminster Council grants planning permission.

Malthouse, who has previously voiced concerns about the Lord Rogers designed scheme, said that the council, the mayor of London or the government should try and block the scheme, owned by Qatari Diar.

He said: ‘The best outcome would be for the developers to withdraw their current plans and produce something more in keeping with the local area.

‘If they insist on carrying on, then Westminster council should reject the Qatari proposals. The Mayor should direct the council to reject, or the Communities Secretary must order an inquiry.’

The comments come two weeks after it emerged that the Prince of Wales had privately written to Qatari Diar expressing concern over the current modern design and lending his support to a traditional scheme by one of his favourite architects.

A spokesmen for Malthouse told Property Week that the deputy mayor considers the Terry scheme a ‘step in the right direction.’

Qatari Diar is planning 552 apartments at the 12.8 acre site which was bought for almost £1bn in 2007. Candy & Candy are project managers on the scheme.

Malthouse also said he has made his concerns known to the council at various public meetings.

Chelsea Barracks will go before Westminster City Council in the summer

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