The creator of Downton Abbey has slammed the Duchy of Cornwall for taking over Dorchester after planning approval was granted for 100 homes. Lord Fellowes of West Stafford said the Dorset Council had “no appreciation for history” and questioned whether developers had a "conscience" over the plans, which are near the home of Victorian novelist, Thomas Hardy.

Lord Fellowes urged Duchy of Cornwall, Prince William's private estate, to spare the "sacred" land at Stinsford on the outskirts of the market town. As president of the Thomas Hardy Society, he said the development would make it difficult for fans to understand Hardy's inspiration for his works, including Tess of the d’Urbervilles and The Mayor of Casterbridge. The Thomas Hardy Society said it would be challenging the decision.

Prince William inherited the private Duchy of Cornwall estate when his father became King in 2022, it includes 130,000 acres of land, properties and investments. William manages the duchy’s assets which raised £23.6 million for him in 2023.

Under a memorandum of understanding with the Treasury, the duchy receives special tax status. This means it pays no capital gains or corporation tax and does not have to comply with property laws, such as compulsory purchase orders.

The prince voluntarily pays income tax at the highest rate – 45% – on the money he receives from the duchy.

Hardy had Max Gate built in Stinsford in 1885 and it is now a Grade I listed building. His works were inspired by the landscape that surrounded him, having detailed the countryside in his books.