Architecture Update: Pipped to the post

THE planner, geographer and Department of the Environment adviser Professor Peter Hall, has failed in his attempt to be appointed to the newly created post of chief planning advisor to the DoE. Professor Hall impressed Michael Heseltine when the latter was Environment Secretary, with his ambitious plans to develop a new 'linear city' along both banks of the Thames from London Docklands to Southend and Sheerness. Although shortlisted for the job, Professor Hall was pipped to the post by Professor David Lock, visiting professor of town planning at the University of Central England in Birmingham. 'Naturally it was a disappointment,' says Professor Hall, but I hope I've made a contribution to policy. Just how significant his contribution has been will be made clear when the department publishes its 'framework plan' for the East Thames Corridor next month.