The “absurd” UK planning system is a form of censorship that is blocking innovative architecture, a former prime ministerial advisor has said.

Rohan Silva, who got architects the ear of Number 10 under David Cameron, said bureaucrats have far too much power over what kind of buildings are built – and that this is leading to mediocre streets.

Silva, now an entrepreneur, was speaking at the long-delayed opening of his latest Second Home co-working development in Hackney last week, with colourful, biophillic interiors and a Frei Otto-inspired ETFE facade.

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