Security plans revealed for Prince William and Kate's new home
(CBS) Security plans for Prince William and Kate's future home were made public on Thursday, raising concerns about the royal couple's safety.
A planning application detailing how the couple will be protected when they move into Apartment 1A at London's Kensington Palace next year has been made available for public viewing by local council officials.
Pictures: Prince William and Kate
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Ken Wharfe, a former royal protection officer, described the situation to the U.K.'s Press Association as "gross incompetence."
"I don't know why we have this open door policy," he said. "If you apply to have alterations to your property, the plans are available for inspection at the town hall. [But] given the high profile of William and Kate and the Royal Family generally and the real security risk to them, not to us, quite frankly it's gross incompetence. To have any security on view to the general public, I can't see the point."
The royal household is currently seeking permission to carry out the work, according to Britain's Daily Mail. The plans reportedly include an "air-lock" double door to prevent intruders, a CCTV system, spiked railings and rising bollards.
An official from the Buckingham Palace property department wrote to the council to request the plans not be made public, the Daily Mail reports.
"We would appreciate if this application could be treated as confidential and not be allowed to enter the public domain, owing to the nature of the works and their location," the letter reportedly said.
Buckingham Palace would not comment.
A spokesman for the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council told CBS News: "Anyone who wants to view the documents must request a meeting with Executive Director of Planning Department, at the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea Council and produce two forms of ID."
Details were not given on the criteria needed for appointments. The Daily Mail, citing a council spokesman, adds that anyone who views the documents won't be allowed to make copies and will be supervised at all times.
William and Kate won't move into their permanent home until mid-to-late 2013, palace officials said in November, because the apartment needs to undergo renovations. Apartment 1A was formerly the home of Queen Elizabeth II's sister, Princess Margaret.
The couple currently split their time between a temporary home on the Kensington Palace grounds and Anglesey, North Wales, where William is stationed as a Royal Air Force search-and-rescue pilot.
