Architecture Update: A princely hamlet

AN application for the first phase of Poundbury village on the outskirts of Dorchester goes to the planners this week. The Prince of Wales, landlord of the 400-acre site, has made it his mission to have the development - on the drawing board for five years - designed on traditional lines based on a plan by Leon Krier. Although the plan envisages up to 3,000 homes, built in honey-coloured stone or brick made locally, the current application is for 35 houses to rent (to be built by the Guinness Housing Trust) and 26 for private sale. Krier's plan aims to allow residents to walk to work.