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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Liam Buckler

Inside the 'experimental' town King Charles III created as a walkable community

King Charles III has created an "experimental" town in the south of England - which is set to be completed in 2025.

West Dorset District Council, in the 1980s, wanted to expand and generate the town of Poundbury, which Prince Charles enthusiastically backed - and said it should become an outlier of New Urbanism.

The area was built on the Duchy of Cornwall in 1993 which was land owned by King Charles III up until last week - with Prince William having now inherited the land.

It is home to 4,200 people on the outskirts of Dorchester, Dorset and is based on traditional designs approved by the King.

The Prince of Wales, as he was known then, believed neighbourhoods should have walkable distances between local shops, pubs and schools - and to retain a community feel in the town they live in.

Back then Prince Charles said the area should become an outlier of New Urbanism (REUTERS)

He was particularly furious of housing estates being built in business parks, which had no real access to pubs, the odd shop and schools far away.

Announcing his support for the Poundbury back in the 1980s, he said: “This should not be yet another soulless housing estate with a business park tacked on."

As part of King Charles III idea, he wanted Poundbury to take inspiration from European cities which have wider pavements and protected walkaways.

The town provides employment for over 2,000 people and contains local businesses - with many moving to the area.

The area has wider pavements and took inspiration from Europe (REUTERS)

There is even a statue which pays homage to Queen Elizabeth II’s mother centred in the square of the town.

Floral tributes paying tribute to Her Majesty have gathered on the statue.

The town also has lots of windy bends which drivers have to navigate and a distinct lack of road signs - with the intention to slow motorists down.

A pub named the Duchess of Cornwall is where locals can visit - but prices are expensive with hummus flatbread costing £9.50 and venison nearly £20.

There is also an upmarket supermarket in Waitrose for the locals to do their weekly shop.

As for youngsters, it is not particularly filled with young people - as only one third of housing in the area is classified as affordable housing for rent.

According to Census data from 2011, 32.9 per cent of residents are over 65 and 51.4 per cent 16-64 years old.

Properties on the market can go up for sale upwards of £400,000 (REUTERS)

Whilst a number of properties are on the market for £400,000 to £700,000 - there are strict demands on what will be accepted.

Some properties will not allow chimneys as they are considered “inappropriately stout or dumpy”.

In addition, artificial grass is unlikely to be given the go-ahead in front gardens and solar panels aren't allowed if they are visible from the street.

The area is due to be completed by 2025 (REUTERS)

Despite King Charles III previous echo credentials, friendly changes echo in the town seem to be less welcomed as they require to be approved by the Regulator.

The cliental, some locals believe, leans towards the affluent as the local community trust, which publishes the Poundbury Magazine, has adverts of expensive cars and advice on where to invest your money.

Locals believe the area is filling with people who want to move away from the city life and prepare for retirement.

The construction of Poundbury is still continuing and is set to be completed by 2025 but as Prince William has now inherited the Duchy of Cornwall - and therefore Poundbury - it remains to be seen what happens to King Charles III vision.

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