Mayor 'blocked' public space plan

Lord Rogers was employed to create public spaces for Londoners

The Mayor of London's architectural aide resigned because he felt Boris Johnson had "blocked" his attempts to create public spaces, it has emerged.

Letters between the mayor and Lord Rogers, a Labour peer, reveal a fraught relationship in City Hall.

In one, Lord Rogers wrote: "As for you and I working closely together, this, quite simply, has never happened."

A spokesman for the mayor said Mr Johnson "remains grateful" for the former aides' input.

But the letters, revealed to architect's journal Building Design after a Freedom of Information request, show the mayor turned down a series of Lord Rogers' requests.

They included:

• The establishment of a team of eight full-time architects
• A full-time senior leader reporting to Lord Rogers
• Direct access to the Mayor of London

In response to the requests, Mr Johnson created a public realm steering group led by the Transport for London deputy and Conservative councillor Dylan Moylan.

In September Lord Rogers wrote to the mayor: "I am disappointed and frustrated that for over a year you and your deputies have blocked me from realising the work that we discussed at our first meeting.

"Without a team and without your support, I cannot continue my work."

Mr Johnson replied: "Whilst I am naturally disappointed by your decision to resign, I do accept it.

"Your contribution to the improvement of design in London has been immense; you are owed a debt of gratitude for your selfless personal contribution."

Boris Johnson disagreed with Lord Rogers' plans for the Chelsea Barracks, which were also criticised by Prince Charles.