RUMOURS are rife in a tiny village that a film star or top footballer could become the owner of the largest new house to be built in Dorset for many years.

But while residents say they will happily welcome any newcomer, they have battled for years to stop the home, which is on the market for £3 million, from being built - one angry local has dubbed it Buckingham Palace.

The red-brick house, Home Meads, is set in over six and a half acres on the edge of Glanvilles Wootton, eight miles from Bland-ford.

Commanding extensive views, the property boasts 10 bedrooms, six bathrooms, an indoor swimming pool, an orangery and a stable block.

And if that's not enough, there is garaging for four cars, a stable block with hay loft and electronically controlled gates opening on to a sweeping drive.

Developers say they took advantage of a government initiative which allowed a small number of "substantial" new country houses to be built if they were architecturally and aesthetically outstanding.

But villagers claim the house is totally out of keeping with the area.

Sylvia Wood, wife of the parish clerk, said: "It's just like Buckingham Palace stuck in the countryside. Most people simply hate it. It's flood-lit at night and we don't even have street lights in the village."

Mrs Wood added: "There are rumours a film star or footballer may be interested and, of course, we would make them welcome."

John Little, who is handling the sale on behalf of Hamptons, hit back at the villagers' concerns.

"The government has allowed a number of substantial houses to be built for prosperity. I can understand their views but you cannot stand in the way of something of such exceptional quality," he said.

"Everything has had to be passed by the planners who were stringent."

Offers had already been received on the home as there had been plenty of interest, he added.