PRINCE Charles's dream of a memorial to the Queen Mother at his Poundbury development in Dorchester has come a step closer.

The Prince hopes a permanent memorial to his grandmother, Queen Mother's Square, will form the centrepiece of the prestigious housing project.

Top British architect Quinlan Terry is working on designs for the classical centrepiece square as a memorial to the Queen Mother, who died in 2002 aged 101. Plans could be before West Dorset District Council planners within two weeks.

Mr Terry, famed as a classical architect with a sometimes radical touch, said the buildings surrounding the square would be of top quality in terms of design, materials and build quality.

He said: "I am looking forward to doing this. It's a great honour I certainly don't regard this as just another job. The Prince is so keen on it."

He added: "Queen Mother's Square will be such a popular place to be. People will go there to enjoy themselves, to meet up and sit outside. It will be car-free so we have to look at parking underground."

An oratory to serve all faiths Poundbury's first religious building is earmarked for the site. Mr Terry said dealing with the levels was a challenge on the sloping site. The award-winning architect said: "I started doing sketches and drawings for Queen Mother's Square two years ago.

"Various modifications are being made and changes done as a result of consultations, including some with planners. I'm seeing the planners again about it in two weeks' time."

The scheme could get full planning permission by the end of the year.

Morrish Builders of Poole has been chosen for the scheme. Mr Terry said he would work closely with the builders to supervise the work.

"I expect to visit the site frequently I'm looking forward to it."

He said he was familiar with Poundbury from its concept. Mr Terry's classical approach to architecture is shown in plans just lodged for a site on the southern side of the square and near Poundbury Garden Centre.

He said: "It is surrounded by buildings that are going up at the moment."

The scheme incorporates three buildings with one for affordable homes. A corner building has a shop on the ground floor.

The third building is four storeys high and includes flats and offices. But the designs brought a guarded response from members of Dorchester Town Council's planning and environment committee.

They enthused about the classical design but feared the four-storey building was too high for the site.

Coun Paul Scott also an architect told colleagues: "You can't have a four-storey classical building without it being tall otherwise it's a pastiche."

He favoured the designs and thought they would also sit well in London or Rome.

Mayor of Dorchester Robin Potter said: "It's a very nice design but it's absolutely massive."

Members agreed to inform the district council that although they liked the scheme they would prefer the tallest building to be reduced to three storeys.