Prince Charles in outspoken attack on 'uncontrolled urban sprawl'

The Prince of Wales today launched an outspoken attack on the "greatest challenge" of uncontrolled urban sprawl.

The heir to the throne's comments come as the Government faces increasing criticism for its proposed relaxation of planning laws.
Speaking at his Foundation for the Built Environment in Shoreditch in East London. The Prince told former students of the Foundation: "The greatest challenge is mass urbanisation on a vast scale, without any proper thought to what the future will hold."

The remarks put him in rare agreement with one of his highest profile architectural critics Lord Rogers of Riverside.

Earlier this month the peer warned that the reform of planning legislation, designed to boost economic growth, could lead to Los Angeles style urban spreal that would destroy the Green Belt.
Prince Charles is well known as a champion of traditional architectural styles over modernist designs and has tried to implement his ideas in the Poundbury development which is an extension to Dorchester.

He said that despite the "brick bats" he had faced, businesses were starting up and a survey commissioned last year had stated Poundbury had contributed more than £800 million to the local economy.

The heir to the throne said: "How rewarding it is for me to see the entire phase two being designed by a majority of my alumni... that gives me more pleasure than anything else."