A KNUTSFORD schoolgirl received a right royal response from Prince Charles, after she sent him an appeal to reconsider controversial building plans on his Crown Estate.

Mary McQuade, eight, from Tabley Hill Lane, wrote the letter, after she was told her neighbour’s farm could be knocked down to make way for 200 new houses on Tabley Road.

The Loreto Preparatory pupil appealed to the royal to step in, as the land is within the borders of the Crown Estate and she was surprised to have a reply from the royal household.

Mum Jenny said: “She said, ‘that can’t be right, shouldn’t we protect the environment?’ She decided to write to Prince Charles and I was hoping out of courtesy he would acknowledge the letter.”

Clarence House responded, stating that powers of management and control of the land resided with the Crown Estate and suggested Mary contact its offices.

Mary then wrote to the Crown Estate, who advised that any development on their land would be the sole decision of the elected officials of Cheshire East Council led by Clr Michael Jones.

The land in question would be developed by Tatton Estate Management and Crown Estates, if it is included in the Knutsford town strategy due to be released later this summer.

There has been opposition to the plans from Knutsford residents, which has resulted in the emergence of action groups. The groups – mainly based in the northern area of the town – are trying to work with the council on alternatives.

Mary added: “I am sad that they may be building in the field. I am also a bit annoyed about it, because I like seeing all the nature as we drive to school.”

A consultation ending on May 31 is being held into plans submitted by Bruntwood for the Booths Hall site, which would accommodate 150 houses plus offices. Email the newsdesk at yourviews @guardiangrp.co.uk, or visit our Facebook page to comment.