Prince Charles in redevelopment row

Apr 30, 2010, 13:08 GMT

Britain's Prince Charles is embroiled in a row about London's Chelsea Barracks redevelopment plans.

The £3 billion redevelopment plans of the vacated central London former army barracks were eventually abandoned last year, but the former developers are pressing for the prince's involvement in this collapse to be examined.

In 2007, the severely dilapidated buildings were sold for £959 million to a consortium of development company Qatari Diar Real Estate and CPC Group - a company connected with Nick and Christian Candy, who are launching the £100 million branch of the contract suit against their co-buyers.

The brothers took possession of the site in 2008, but the plans for renewal of the area - in one of London's most expensive residential areas - were, however, withdrawn last year after Qatari Diar changed their mind.

Prince Charles is alleged to have used his influence to persuade Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al-Thani, the emir of Qatar, to change his decision on the proposed modern redevelopment plans.

Qatari Diar are also said to have changed their minds about the barracks after Prince Charles wrote directly to the Emir expressing his alarm about the 'inappropriate' futuristic design of steel and glass produced by architect Lord Rogers which Nick and Christian Candy had proposed.

This could now put extra strain on international relations as The Emir of Qatar will be called as a key witness in the case, and will testify by video link.

The Prince of Wales himself will not be questioned in court, but his aide, Sir Michael Peat, will be questioned about meetings he held with the Qatari royal family.