PLANS for the centrepiece of the completed Poundbury development have taken a big step forward.

Planning permission has been granted for the next phase of Queen Mother Square and work is due to start early next year.

The next phase of Prince Charles’s model development is expected to cost around £20million and will form the iconic ‘heart’ of the scheme when it is completed.

It will consist of three new buildings to the north and east of the square, to add to those already in place to the south and west.

Dorchester estate director for the Duchy of Cornwall Simon Conibear said: “This is an important step forward for Poundbury and Dorchester.

“The three buildings and statue which have been approved will complete Queen Mother Square and create the heart of the project.”

Construction of the square is expected to be completed in around two years’ time, at which stage a statue of the Queen Mother, created by renowned sculptor Philip Jackson, will be erected.

The construction of a plinth for the statue is also expected to complete the highway works in the area.

The buildings around the square will all largely take their names from the Queen Mother’s favourite race horse. Mr Conibear said: “We already have Kings Point House and Newborough House on the south and west sides, but the focal point will be Royal Pavilion on the north side, with its distinguishing tower and lantern feature.

“This has been designed by Working Group Architects, in consultation with the masterplanner Leon Krier, and will offer 20 grand apartments above commercial space.

“Alongside will be two buildings designed by Quinlan Terry as commercial space with apartments above, the first to be known as Strathmore House, and the second, yet to be named, a public house. The total construction cost will be around £20million and it is our intention to start building early next year.”

The Duchy will also uphold a long term promise to name streets to the north of the square in honour of the Dorset regiment with references to the campaigns it has been involved in.

The latest planning permission comes after Poundbury celebrated its 20th anniversary earlier this year and around half the total scheme has now been completed.