Westminster approves ultra-modernist 'Ellipse' next to Royal Albert Hall

Architectural conservatives are losing the heritage war over the "Ellipse" building, the oval-shaped proposed extension to the Royal College of Art in London. Planning officers have granted permission for the 27-metre high zinc and glass ultra-modernist structure to be erected among listed buildings in the National Conservation Area in Kensington Gore. The Royal Albert Hall (RAH)is only yards away from the proposed site.

David Elliot, the RAH's chief executive, expressed dismay at the unanimous decision by Westminster Council's planning committee. He is to write to the Government Office for London, part of the Office for the Deputy Prime Minister, to urge John Prescott to block the decision and to begin a public inquiry. "This is a matter of national significance," he said.

The building is opposed by residents who feel their views across Hyde Park will be blighted, but opposition has come from across the world, and from over 90 per cent of people polled at the Proms last summer.

But the RCA said the opposition was anachronistic and that the architect, Nicholas Grimshaw, who designed the Eden Project in Cornwall, had considered the historical setting. Sir Christopher Frayling, rector of the RCA, said: "Prince Albert was a great lover of modernity and a lot of people said the RAH was a monstrosity. I would hate to think that the future development of the premier arts school in the country gets strangled by ideas of heritage."