Locals worried about Diana memorial

Flower-laden Kensington Gardens after Princess Diana's death

Plans for a memorial garden to Diana, Princess of Wales, are expected to come under fire when they are discussed at a public meeting on Tuesday.

Prince Charles, with sons Edward and Harry, look at the floral tributes at Kensington Gardens

The event has been organised to give local residents a chance to express their concerns over proposals for the garden outside the princess' former London home, Kensington Palace.

Concern has been expressed about the flood of visitors expected and the impact on local transport.

The scheme, on a 16-acre site in Kensington Gardens would reportedly cater for five million visitors a year.

It is one of many ideas considered by the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund committee, which includes Lady Sarah McCorquodale, Diana's sister, Paul Burrell, her former butler, and Chancellor Gordon Brown.

Environmental impact

Kensington Gardens became an impromptu shrine to Princess Diana in the days after her death on August 31 last year as grieving people laid mountains of flowers, messages and cuddly toys.

Chairman of Kensington and Chelsea Council's Policy and Resources Committee Joan Hanham, is now calling for a full environmental impact report to be drawn up.

"I am hopeful some consultation on the proposals will be carried out by the Memorial Committee with those who will be most affected by them - the residents who live near and around Kensington Gardens - and that this meeting will give an opportunity for them to comment on the proposal," he said.

Brother under fire

A spokesman for the Treasury, which is helping consider memorial projects, said the issue had been discussed at the committee last week.

"The suggestions made for a memorial have ranged from proposals of a fountain to formal gardens.

"It is right that local people should be consulted and the Chancellor has asked Chris Smith (Secretary of State for Culture) to carry out research among local people before a final decision is made," he said.

English Heritage, the Royal Parks Agency and Historic Royal Palaces will also be asked to advise on the project.

Earl Spencer, brother of the late Princess of Wales, has also been under fire over plans for a Diana memorial and museum, at the family home, Althorp House in Northamptonshire.