Prince's model village to expand

Plans to expand the Prince of Wales' "model village" in Dorset were approved despite criticism, it has emerged.

The almshouses block at Poundbury, near Dorchester, which will comprise flats, houses and homes, was officially approved on Wednesday.

West Dorset District Council planners did not formally object but asked that the buildings be "softened a bit".

Sue Cheeseman, clerk to the committee, said there was concern the buildings looked "like a Dickensian workhouse".

The construction of Poundbury, Dorset, began in 1993

The committee of planners and environment officers thought "it would give the wrong impression," she added.

"They wanted it softened a bit but that's not going to happen because planning approval came through yesterday."

The village, designed by the prince to combine affordable, social and private housing, now has more than 1000 residents.

Work on the almshouses block is likely to start in the spring and will take about five years to complete.