Home / Arts and Entertainment / McCloud's Poundbury critique sparks hypocrisy debate
McCloud's Poundbury critique sparks hypocrisy debate
7 Dec, 2025
Summary
- McCloud called Poundbury homes 'intolerable' and like modern developer homes.
- His own HAB Housing development faced complaints of unfinished pavements and broken sewage.
- Residents described the early days of his development as a 'war zone'.
Grand Designs presenter Kevin McCloud has sharply criticized King Charles's model town, Poundbury, describing its mock Georgian homes as 'intolerable' and reminiscent of poorly designed modern developer houses. His critique focused on the interior architecture, which he found unbearable.
Ironically, McCloud's own development company, HAB Housing, faced a similar backlash for its eco-friendly estate in Kings Worthy, Winchester. Upon opening in 2017, the development suffered from unfinished pavements, a lack of street lights, and serious construction defects such as damaged ceilings and broken sewage systems.
Eight years later, residents still express disillusionment, recalling the estate's early days as resembling a 'war zone.' Despite these criticisms, some parts of the development later received architectural awards, and new residents praise its environmental efficiency and community spirit, though past construction issues are acknowledged.
