Friends of Prince Charles have been criticised over plans to build a hobbit theme park next to a world-famous castle featured in Harry Potter.
The 12th Duke Ralph Percy, 62, and his wife Duchess Jane Percy, 60, want to convert several acres of gardens designed by Capability Brown near Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, into a theme park with hobbit walkways, climbing nets and a 600-person stadium.
The proposed attractions have been slammed as like a 'tacky Disneyland' and 'prejudicing' the area's historic character by campaigners.
Friends of Prince Charles the 12th Duke Ralph Percy, 62, and his wife Duchess Jane Percy, 60, plan to build a Hobbit-themed play area on landscaped gardens near Alnwick castle, Northumberland
The proposed plans would see a hobbit-themed walkway and climbing nets, as well as an 'elfic' village and underground visitors centre built in the area
Alnwick castle shot to world fame after being featured in the Harry Potter movies
Planners at Labour-controlled Northumberland County Council are considering the application, which also includes an underground visitors centre, sprawling 'elfic' village, and tavern.
The Duchess and her husband, who have an estimated fortune of £315million, have already ploughed £9million into the project, now run by a non-profit charity.
Last year the Duchess claimed she had been discriminated against when her request for a £25million grant from the Big Lottery Fund Living Landmarks initiative was refused.
The couple were also disappointed when a council loan of £8.5million for the project was withdrawn in 2017.
The accompanying planning application with the council was scrapped, but it has been resubmitted with no financial support being offered by the authority.
The proposed site for the park, coloured red, and the parking area, coloured blue, are close to Alnwick castle. Residents say they will look like a 'tacky Disneyland' and 'prejudice' the area's character
The park will also include a chapel and 600-person stadium built on the gardens designed by Capability Brown
This image shows a map of the planned development area for the theme park
The Alnwick gardens were restored by the Duke and Duchess in 1997 and are popular with visitors to Alnwick
The charity plans to convert several acres of the gardens into what will be called the Lilidorei Play Village.
It claims the project will boost the local economy by £236million and create 123 full-time jobs, but residents and environmentalists oppose
