Kensington Palace ‘garden shed’ rejected

Plans for a new visitors' entrance to Kensington Palace have been rejected by councillors.

The loggia, due to be ready for the Queen's Golden Jubilee in 2012, had been approved by English Heritage and recommended for approval by planning officers.

But last night Kensington and Chelsea's planning committee ruled it was not necessary and would damage the facade of the Grade 1-listed Sir Christopher Wren building.

The project, supported by Prince Charles, had been branded as "just a few steps above a garden shed" by planning boss Daniel Moylan.

He was backed by the Society for Ancient Buildings and the Kensington Society.

John Barnes of Historic Royal Palaces said: "We are extremely disappointed at the rejection and will decide how best to proceed."