Janice R. Andrews
Poundbury, Dorset – Residents of King Charles’ model village in Poundbury are preparing to take legal action against the Duchy of Cornwall over a proposed tree planting plan they say will block their cherished countryside views. The controversy revolves around plans to plant 22 bird cherry trees along Peninsula Way, which would obstruct the panoramic vistas that many homeowners specifically paid a premium to enjoy.
Priceless Views at Risk
Homeowners in Poundbury, Dorset, were drawn to the development by the promise of stunning, uninterrupted views of Thomas Hardy’s Wessex. Now, many are upset to learn of plans to plant a row of bird cherry trees, which can grow up to 82 feet tall and 26 feet wide. The trees are positioned to block the views for at least eight luxury properties, a move some residents call misleading and deceptive.
Andrew Cook, a 72-year-old retired business advisor who bought his four-bedroom home in 2022 for £900,000, voiced his frustration:
“We’re not against trees, but we were promised uninterrupted views. It feels like we were tricked. No one told us about these trees when we bought the property.”
Insurance and Road Maintenance Issues
The proposed planting has also raised concerns about potential issues with insurance. According to the Association of British Insurance Companies, bird cherry trees should be planted at least 36 feet from property boundaries due to their shallow roots. With the trees planned just 8 feet from property lines, residents fear they could face higher insurance premiums or even difficulty securing coverage.
Additionally, the local highways authority has warned that if the trees are planted, they will not adopt the road, leaving homeowners responsible for its upkeep. This additional financial burden has further angered residents, many of whom feel blindsided by these developments.
Donald and Christine Brett, both retired chartered surveyors, are among the concerned homeowners. They paid an additional £120,000 for their £570,000 three-bedroom house to secure an unobstructed view of the surrounding natural beauty. Mr. Brett, 76, expressed his anger:
“We feel completely misled. This tree planting scheme is much more extensive than we were led to believe. We would have never bought the property had we known about it.”
Legal Action May Be Inevitable
Residents have made it clear that they will pursue legal action if the tree planting goes ahead without adjustments. They argue that they were mis-sold their properties and are victims of a cover-up. Some homeowners have even suggested that a simple change in the tree species or spacing could resolve the issue.
Paul Baker, a 62-year-old financial services worker and Poundbury resident, described the situation as a “complete fiasco”:
“These trees will completely block our homes in the next ten years. We’ll have branches scraping our windows, and we won’t be able to trim them due to the Duchy’s restrictions.”
The Vision Behind Poundbury and the Growing Dispute
Poundbury was originally envisioned by King Charles (then Prince of Wales) as a model village blending private and affordable housing with local shops, schools, and other community services. Construction began in 1993 and the development is expected to be completed by 2028. Although the Duchy of Cornwall, now managed by Prince William, continues to oversee the project, Poundbury remains closely associated with King Charles’ vision.
However, this latest issue threatens to overshadow Poundbury’s idyllic reputation. Residents argue that the Duchy’s approach to the tree planting plan is rooted in a “feudal attitude” and accuse the developers of ignoring their concerns.
The Duchy’s Response
The Duchy of Cornwall and developer CG Fry and Son have defended their actions, insisting that the tree planting scheme has always been part of the development’s design. A spokesperson for the Duchy stated:
“We understand the concerns of some residents and are working closely with the developers and Dorset Council to adjust the planting plan where necessary.”
Philip Fry, of CG Fry, added:
“The trees were shown in our sales plans, and they have planning consent from Dorset Council. However, the council’s highways department has raised concerns about the species, and we are now working on modifying the plans to meet those concerns.”
Compromise Sought by Residents
In light of the dispute, residents have suggested a compromise: planting smaller trees that would not block views or pose a risk to the properties. Andrew Cook commented:
“We’re open to finding a solution, but we want trees that are smaller and less invasive. We’re not against trees, just against having our views ruined.”
Despite their willingness to find a middle ground, many homeowners feel that their concerns are being ignored. Christine Brett, 69, explained:
“We spent years researching and saving for our dream home. Now, everything has been turned upside down. It’s frustrating and stressful, and we never imagined we’d face something like this after buying our property.”
Impact on Property Values
Another concern is the potential impact on property values. With the proposed trees blocking views and possibly complicating insurance, residents worry their homes will lose significant value. Paul Baker remarked:
“We paid extra for these homes because of the views. If this goes through, it will definitely lower the value of our properties.”
Rising Tensions in the Community
Tensions are mounting in Poundbury, with residents feeling betrayed by the lack of transparency from both the Duchy and the developers. Some believe the situation highlights the broader challenges facing large-scale developments, particularly when the desires of homeowners and the vision of developers conflict.
A Resolution Still Pending
As talks continue, the future of the tree planting plan remains uncertain. For the residents of Poundbury, the outcome could either restore the community’s sense of fairness or lead to a prolonged legal battle. Either way, the controversy has drawn attention to the importance of clear communication between developers and buyers, especially when it comes to high-value properties with unique features like scenic views.
While the Duchy and developers work to revise their plans, residents remain hopeful for a resolution that respects their rights as homeowners and preserves the vision of Poundbury as a model of harmonious living.
For now, the future of Poundbury hangs in the balance, and residents are determined to make their voices heard, hoping for a resolution that won’t diminish the community they once proudly joined.
