Poundbury is the prince's showcase for "responsible planning"

The inquiry, due to end on Thursday, heard claims the Prince had reneged on the original concept behind Poundbury.

The development would involve building a five-storey block of flats on the outskirts of Dorchester.

However, West Dorset District Council has warned the development could be "overpowering" and "claustrophobic".

'David and Goliath'

Nathalie Lieven, representing West Dorset District Council, told the inquiry: "The issue here is that the proposal at Jubilee Court is simply too large in relation to the smaller residential properties immediately adjoining it."

The inquiry into the proposed Jubilee Court site will examine two sets of plans which were rejected by the local authority.

They were turned down after 41 people objected to the proposals, claiming they would look out of place in a rural setting.

Campaigners also said the plan for 26 to 31 flats was double the recommended number of homes on the site.

Poundbury was conceived by the Prince to inspire town planning after he criticised modern architecture.

On Tuesday, a spokesman for the residents described the case as a "David and Goliath" situation.

Cliff Lane, a planning expert, told the inquiry the schemes "would give neighbouring two-storey homes a pretty appalling outlook".