Demand for 'model' homes
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.(First Edition)
BUYERS been quick to snap up homes in the Prince of Wales's model village - even though they have not been built yet. Firm down payments were made for five properties at Poundbury in Dorset on Saturday, the first day of sales. Prince Charles has taken a keen interest in planning Poundbury, a village of about 2,500 homes being built on Duchy of Cornwall land near Dorchester where prices of the properties will range from pounds 70,000 to pounds 145,000.
He wants the homes to encourage the ideals of village community life, in contrast to 'soulless' modern housing estates.
Although only the first three homes have been started, 300 people turned up on site for an invitation-only open day on Saturday and between 300 and 400 'mostly locals' attended yesterday's public day.
Philip Fry, of C G Fry which is building the first 61 homes, said: 'I think the fact that Prince Charles is linked to the development may have helped generate interest, but even in this market, if you are building something people want, then they will buy.'
But he added that the fact that most of the buyers were older people did not mean the village, which will feature residential and retail properties combining Victorian, Gothic and Renaissance styles, would be a retirement ghetto. Thirty-five of the homes will go to the Guinness Trust as social housing for young couples to rent.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments