William And Kate: Plans For Couple's 'New Home'

Royal aides have applied for planning permission for a "major development" on the Queen's Sandringham Estate, rumoured to be earmarked for William and Kate.

The application to King's Lynn Council follows reports that the Queen is preparing to give Anmer Hall to the Duke and Duchess who are expecting their first child.

The 10-bedroom Grade II listed property, which is two miles from Sandringham House, would likely be used as a country retreat by the couple.

Among the requests contained within the planning application is the rerouting of the existing driveway and the conversion of wood stores into accommodation.

Anmer Hall has been part of the royal estate since 1898 and was home to the Duke and Duchess of Kent from 1972 until 1990.

William and Kate currently live in Anglesey where Prince William works as a search and rescue pilot.

However, as the Duke prepares to decide on his future role, the couple are expected to make Kensington Palace their main residence.

But Anmer Hall, which stands in a small Norfolk village with a population of little more than 60, will afford the couple a degree of privacy during holidays.

While there isn't a pub or shop in the village, there is a social club and a church which holds services twice a month.

The move would also allow William, Kate and their first born to be close to the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh when they stay at Sandringham House, yet be able to live in their own home.

Local residents have welcomed the news but a decision by the council is not expected until March and it is unlikely to be made public for security reasons.

Buckingham Palace declined to comment on news of the planning application.