Letter on planning from Prince Charles's office being kept secret

[CHIMO]

A letter from the office of the Prince of Wales to Boris Johnson, the mayor of London about planning issues in the capital is being kept secret because disclosure could undermine the prince's "political neutrality".

The admission is likely to increase calls for greater transparency over the lobbying of ministers by Prince Charles, and his aides and charities. It comes amid continued concern that the prince's involvement in political matters could cause a constitutional crisis if and when he becomes king.

On Monday it emerged that several of the prince's charities have been lobbying government ministers to change policy on issues ranging from VAT to regional development policy.

The Guardian had asked City Hall to release correspondence between the prince and his aides, and elected representatives and officials at the Greater London Authority (GLA) about planning matters in the capital since Johnson became mayor, and specifically letters relating to the plans for the rebuilding of Chelsea Barracks and tall buildings in the capital, both topics the prince has spoken out on.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/2011/aug/22/prince-charles-letter-about-planning