Prince William 'gets green light for huge property project' amid resident complaints of 'arrogance'
Prince William's estate is growing
Prince William has just settled into his own new property at Windsor Great Park, Forest Lodge, but his mind is reportedly already on another ambitious project.
The Prince of Wales is reportedly working on a huge housing project. And a new update claims that William’s project may be ready to move to the next stage…
Prince William’s property ‘plans’
As the Duke of Cornwall, William is the head of the Duchy of Cornwall, a large property and land portfolio.
This portfolio spans 23 counties and is made up of housing developments and castles, as well as commercial properties.
In 2027, the prince is said to be moving forward with an ambitious new project.
The prince is said to be building 620 homes in Shepton Mallet, Somerset.
The plans have reportedly just been approved following negotiations.
Previously, high levels of phosphate in the nearby water has been a concern.
But now it seems, after much back and forth, the development is ready to head to the next level.
The Duchy is working with the developer C G Fry and Son Ltd, and the new estate is expected to include a primary school, a care home and commercial space.
Prince William’s Duchy to build affordable housing
It has been stated, as per reports, that 30 per cent of these properties will fall into the ‘affordable housing’ category, a government initiative to make housing in the UK more financially accessible.
Typically new housing estates have 10 per cent of their properties as affordable housing, so it is likely that the Duchy’s efforts will be applauded.
Unlike salaried roles, members of the working royal family do not receive traditional incomes. Instead, William’s expenses are funded by the Duchy.
Prince William’s income
The Duchy of Cornwall makes Prince William a private income of around £23 million per year.
This money is used to fund his charitable, private and official endeavours.
This sum also covers the cost of staffing the Prince and Princess of Wales’ household, which is said to be growing, with the number of employees rising.
Although it seems Prince William’s ambitious housing goals are coming to fruition, it hasn’t always been easy for the Duchy.
In fact, they have faced criticism.
Criticism against the Duchy of Cornwall
Residents on the edge of Poundbury in Dorset spoke to the The Telegraph about their concerns over their obscured countryside view due to the new housing estate plans.
They said their properties were sold with a “open countryside view,” but now trees are ruining that.
Residents even branded the Duchy as “arrogant”.
Andrew Cook, a retired business adviser, claimed the Duchy “didn’t communicate with us, they were just completely intransigent,” when it came to their plans.
He went on to say: “It’s so frustrating, the Duchy are so difficult – there is no common sense.”
We’ll see how things progress…
Royal Insider has contacted Kensington Palace for comment.
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