Prince Charles plans 2,000 homes in Somerset countryside

Prince Charles is planning to build 2,000 homes on farmland near Bath.

The news has provoked uproar among the villagers of Newton St Loe, whose landlord is the Duchy of Cornwall, the £616m-turnover investment group which bankrolls the prince.

The duchy is working on the plans with Bath and North East Somerset council, according to The Guardian.

Prince Charles has received angry letters from residents in Newton St Loe, saying: "It is hard to believe that you would endorse the destruction of this beautiful area and see this unique, thriving village reduced to a suburb of Bath."

The duchy offered to consider undertaking the development after the council identified its land as a viable site for new homes.

The scheme involves the destruction of Newton Farm, which rears eco-friendly cattle, and supplies local schools.

Only last week, Prince Charles described the countryside as "one of the greatest treasures of our nation" and warned that livestock farmers "are struggling as never before".

A spokeswoman for the duchy told The Guardian: "We are keen to work alongside the council to meet its housing needs and the needs of the community. As usual the duchy will ensure the development is sustainable and the views of the local residents will be taken into account."