A Poundbury man says a black shed that the Duchy of Cornwall has put outside his house is a 'monstrosity'.

Nick Hall says the shed, which is just three metres from his dining room window on Beechwood Square, is an eyesore in an area where good design is said to be so important.

Mr Hall, who works at Ultra Electronics, said: "I understand this construction is part of the infrastructure to Challacombe House, however given that Poundbury is renowned for its architecture, this monstrosity is contrary to the spirit of Poundbury and should be removed at once."

The shed was put up recently to cover a water pressure pump, but, says Mr Hall, it is nearly half as big again as the machinery itself.

He said: "This construction is over seven feet tall from ground level and over 42 per cent bigger than the equipment it endeavours to conceal.

"When purchasing my new home six months ago I had been assured that this very thing would not happen and that one of two options would occur. Either a feature would be made of the equipment or, even better, the equipment would be removed altogether.

"It has not been removed and I have yet to find anyone who would call it a feature."

Mr Hall says the shed goes against the vision of Britain outlined by the Prince of Wales in his book on architecture and town planning.

Now he says he is going to ask other people living in the area what they think about the shed.

He said: "The book talks about 'a sense of pride and a feeling that everyone contributes to the planning and organisation of the place'.

"Picking up on this vision, I have asked the community of Beechwood Square if they would like to contribute an opinion in the form of a petition.

"Every person who lives around here has signed it. It's something that no one is happy with but that no one wants to do anything about."

Simon Conibear, Poundbury development manager for the Duchy of Cornwall, said the structure was never intended to be permanent.

He said: "It is only temporary and will be replaced in due course with a structure designed by an architect.

"We keep the residents' association fully informed of things that are going on and I'm sure they will be able to fill Mr Hall in on any questions he has about the area."