Treehouses taking root in London

The treehouses will be situated north of the boating lake

A corner of Regent's Park will be festooned with treehouses and rope-bridges after a new art project was given the go ahead.

Westminster Council has given planning permission to build three large treehouses north of the boating lake at the park in central London.

The structures should be ready by 19 July and will house galleries, workshops and events until September.

It is hoped the project will act as an "artistic catalyst" for the public.

Engaging with art

Altair Roelants, spokeswoman for the Treehouse Gallery's organisers, said: "This will give artists and participants a free platform in central London to engage with art, while drawing a diverse mix of people and ideas to the park."

Councillor Steve Summers, chairman of Westminster City Council's planning committee, said: "This is a fun way for people to easily learn how they can make a difference to the world around them.

"It should delight children and hopefully get people to take an interest in this important subject."