Prince William's Duchy of Cornwall estate has sparked controversy with its plans to build 107 homes near Thomas Hardy's historic former home, Max Gate.
The development, recently approved by Dorset council, has been strongly criticised by Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes, who serves as president of the Thomas Hardy Society.
The society has vowed to challenge the decision, describing the land as "sacred" in terms of Hardy's legacy.
The dispute highlights tensions between new housing development and the preservation of culturally significant sites in Dorset.
The plans for the development were submitted by the Duchy in 2022, shortly after Prince William inherited the estate following his father's accession to the throne.
Prince William's Duchy of Cornwall estate has sparked controversy with its plans to build 107 homes near Thomas Hardy's historic former home, Max Gate.
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The 107 houses will be built on land north of Max Gate, near Dorchester in Dorset, with the development to be undertaken by CG Fry.
Despite significant opposition from cultural figures and heritage organisations, Dorset council has now given the green light to the project.
The development adds to the Duchy's already substantial presence in the area, which includes King Charles's sprawling designer village of Poundbury to the west of Dorchester.
Lord Fellowes, who lives in West Stafford near the proposed development site, did not mince words in his criticism. "The people who have approved this clearly have no appreciation for the history of the county and the importance of Thomas Hardy to the area," he said.
He also questioned how those involved could proceed with clear consciences, stating: "I don't really see how the developers and the council, grown men and women, can do that with a conscience."
The Duchy of Cornwall, established in 1337 to provide an income for the heir to the throne, has been owned by Prince William since his father became King in 2022.
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While acknowledging housing shortages, Fellowes argued: "There are so many other places that they could be built that would not interfere with such historic sites."
The Thomas Hardy Society has pledged to challenge the council's decision and urged the Duchy to spare what it considers "sacred" land.
Mark Chutter, the society's chairman, questioned the Duchy's expanding footprint in the area. "I think the Duchy of Cornwall should think again and should consider the importance of Hardy to the surrounding land. The development needs to be stopped so the land can be protected," he said.
Chutter also expressed concern about the Duchy's growing influence: "We have already got Poundbury, which is Duchy of Cornwall land. That is a huge development, which they are still building, and now they want to do this so close to Max Gate. Why do they have to be there, of all locations?"
The Duchy generates substantial revenue, bringing in £24 million annually in profit.
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Max Gate, a Grade I-listed building, was built by Thomas Hardy in 1885 on the outskirts of Dorchester in Stinsford.
It was at this historic home that the celebrated novelist wrote some of his most acclaimed works, including "Tess of the d'Urbervilles", "The Mayor of Casterbridge" and "Jude the Obscure".
The Thomas Hardy Society considers the land surrounding Max Gate to be "quite sacred in terms of the life of Thomas Hardy". The property is now run by the National Trust, preserving the legacy of one of Britain's most significant literary figures.
In its planning application, the Duchy acknowledged the development's proximity to Max Gate but insisted it would not harm the visitor experience.
"This change would not materially affect the experience of the house from the surrounding area, nor the experience within its grounds," the Duchy stated. "On this basis, it is concluded that the proposed development would not result in any harm to the significance of the house."
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Paul Hoffmann of developers CG Fry supported this assessment, adding: "I do not think that the proposed development would result in Max Gate suffering a loss of significance."
The Duchy of Cornwall, established in 1337 to provide an income for the heir to the throne, has been owned by Prince William since his father became King in 2022. The estate encompasses approximately 130,000 acres of land across England.
The Duchy generates substantial revenue, bringing in £24 million annually in profit.
Neil Mathews, chairman of the board of trustees of the Campaign to Protect Rural England, Dorset, expressed hope that Prince William would take an interest in the development, saying: "I hope that he would be sympathetic towards the history and heritage and make sure the affordable nature of the new homes."
