Prince Charles Have Links To Five Of Ten Architectural Firms Asked To Draw Up Plans For Chelsea Barracks

Five of the 10 architectural firms who have been asked to draw up new plans for the redevelopment of London's Chelsea Barracks have links to Prince Charles.

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The 60-year-old royal was accused of "single handedly destroying" the original development project after he wrote a letter to the Qatari royal family - which owns the site - to complain about the "modernist" look of the proposed buildings.

His actions led to the £3 billion [$5 billion] proposals being abandoned in June, just days before it was due to be considered by Westminster council.

After asking The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment to suggest alternative architects, the developers have compiled a shortlist of 10 firms who have been invited to submit their ideas for the site.

Half of those companies have confirmed links to Charles. Two worked on his model town Poundbury in Dorset, while another publicly defended the prince's involvement in the original Chelsea Barracks plans.

Three finalists are expected to be chosen in September, with the winner likely to emerge by the end of the year.

A new planning application should be ready to be submitted to the council by May 2010.