An area of Dorset that inspired Thomas Hardy is under threat from a housing estate, according to protesters. More than 90 people have written to object to Land Value Alliances’ plan for 120 homes close to Wolfeton House in Charminster.
Hardy, a frequent visitor, used it as the setting for his short story The Lady Penelope, which was based on Lady Penelope Darcy, who famously married all three of her suitors.
Tony Fincham, of the Hardy Society, said that Wolfeton “remains in appearance exactly as described by Hardy”.
Captain Nigel Thimbleby, 82, who lives at Wolfeton with his wife, Katharine, said: “The parish council voted unanimously against this development and we all thought it was unlikely to proceed. It was only recently that we realised we were being taken for a ride.
“We have got three weeks to sharpen our pencils and do battle and oppose these plans with vigour.”
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Proponents say the development would provide 42 affordable homes. West Dorset councillors will rule on the application next month.