PRINCE Charles has raised serious doubts over proposals to build coal-fired power stations like the one planned at Kingsnorth.

In a speech to the European Parliament, the Prince slammed the idea of "business as usual" coal-fired generation.

He said: "Can we possibly allow 20 years of business as usual before coal powered generation becomes clean? Are we truly investing enough in renewable energy?"

The Government is currently considering whether to approve plans for Kingsnorth at Hoo, which would be the first coal-fired power station to be built in the UK for more than 30 years.

The Prince's intervention comes just weeks before the decision is expected, according to Greenpeace.

The environmental activist group say it has obtained documents under the Freedom of Information Act which show E.ON, the power company behind the plans, expects "a positive determination" on Kingsnorth by the end of April.

Greenpeace climate campaigner Joss Garman said: "For Prince Charles to intervene in this way while the Government considers the first new coal fired power station in thirty years is hugely significant."