Westminster approves ultra-modernist 'Ellipse' next to Royal Albert Hall
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Architectural conservatives are losing the heritage war over the "Ellipse" building, the oval-shaped proposed extension to the Royal College of Art in London. Planning officers have granted permission for the 27-metre high zinc and glass ultra-modernist structure to be erected among listed buildings in the National Conservation Area in Kensington Gore. The Royal Albert Hall (RAH)is only yards away from the proposed site.
David Elliot, the RAH's chief executive, expressed dismay at the unanimous decision by Westminster Council's planning committee. He is to write to the Government Office for London, part of the Office for the Deputy Prime Minister, to urge John Prescott to block the decision and to begin a public inquiry. "This is a matter of national significance," he said.
The building is opposed by residents who feel their views across Hyde Park will be blighted, but opposition has come from across the world, and from over 90 per cent of people polled at the Proms last summer.
But the RCA said the opposition was anachronistic and that the architect, Nicholas Grimshaw, who designed the Eden Project in Cornwall, had considered the historical setting. Sir Christopher Frayling, rector of the RCA, said: "Prince Albert was a great lover of modernity and a lot of people said the RAH was a monstrosity. I would hate to think that the future development of the premier arts school in the country gets strangled by ideas of heritage."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments