Architect voices fears over Iran's yellow embassy in Kensington

An award-winning architect has expressed "deep concern" over the design of London's proposed new

Kensington and Chelsea council's architects assessment panel says plans for the giant modernist structure, which would be built in an important conservation area at Queen's Gate in Kensington, have shown little improvement since February.

Chairman John McAslan criticised key aspects of the design by Iranian Daneshgar Architects, saying there was "a lack of information" on engineering, proposed materials and landscaping.

The panel was "deeply concerned that the commitment may not be in place to deliver the ambitious proposals", he added.

Caryl Harris, chairwoman of the South Kensington and Queen's Gate Residents' Association, said the report was "a strong thumbs-down for the plans", and that "the panel is saying that the quality is lacking".

She added: "Their polite demand for another meeting with the architects at this very late stage of the planning process speaks for itself."

The proposals include a main building cantilevered over a smaller building that is painted a vivid saffron yellow.

In July, residents discovered that they had not been properly consulted on the plans, which were submitted in May. No images of the six-storey stone and marble building appeared on the council website until the plans were reported in the press.

The council said this was a police requirement, but the Met said it was at the council's discretion.

The building would stand less than 20 feet from Grade II*-listed St Augustine's Church, which was designed by renowned Victorian architect William Butterfield.

A council spokesman said: "We are in the process of receiving revised drawings. Once we've received the revisions we will be undertaking further public consultation. Details of the consultation will be available shortly."