Poundbury: built for real people, not architects
SIR – I used to live in Dorset and have watched the experimental town of Poundbury grow (report, August 5). Prince Charles’s concept of a village with shops, cafés and light industry is, to my mind, excellent.
The town has huge community spirit. When I went to the Dorset wine and food festival, it felt like being in France: beautiful local Dorset products, wine, olives and delicious foodstuffs.
Many of my friends have sold their large houses and moved into the village, including one couple who have bought a flat in the “Buckingham Palace” apartment block mentioned in your report. It is large and suitably designed for people well past retirement age.
Architects usually build to impress themselves and others, but Poundbury is built for real people to live in and have a community to enjoy.
Marianne Stevens
Halls Head, Western Australia