The creator of Downton Abbey has said Prince William's Duchy of Cornwall has 'no conscience' after they were given the go-ahead to build 100 houses.
Lord Julian Fellowes is urging the royal estate to spare the 'sacred land' which is next to the Victorian novelist Thomas Hardy's historic home.
He said developing the countryside so close to where the iconic author wrote many of his great works would make it harder for fans to understand Hardy's methods.
The Thomas Hardy Society, of which Lord Fellowes is president, confirmed it would be challenging the decision.
They also accused the Duchy of trying to take over Dorchester, citing King Charles' sprawling designer village of Poundbury to the west of the market town.
