Prince Charles could be dragged into a planning row over a proposed new home in a picturesque Sussex village.

Lady Helena Hughes, of Challoners, The Green, Rottingdean, has lived in her 15th century home for 20 years.

She claims plans to build a two-storey, four bedroom house next to her home will set a dangerous precedent for the village.

And now she has written to the Prince of Wales urging him to back her fight to block the proposals.

Lady Helena claims more than 60 letters of objection have been sent to the council by neighbours who support her case.

The house was bought and restored by her late husband, Sir Jack Hughes, in the early 1960s.

It is Grade II listed and situated in the Rottingdean conservation area.

Simon Jackson, who lodged the application with Brighton and Hove City Council, said he only wanted to build "a modest family home" and that the proposed house would not overlook Lady Hughes’s property.