WEST Dorset District Council is looking to push forward with the latest attempt to redevelop Dorchester's Charles Street site.

The district council's executive committee is set to consider a report on the future of the town as a regional shopping centre at its meeting next week.

Members will be asked to support the preparation of a development strategy, aimed at boosting the local economy.

Councillors will also be asked to consider the results of soft market testing and an archaeological review of the Charles Street site and allocate up to £520,000 to enable the preparation of feasibility studies, the development strategy and the marketing of the Charles Street site and other town centre locations with a potential for further retail development.

This includes discussions with owners, occupiers and interested parties on the Trinity Street and Fairfield car park sites to assess their viability for redevelopment.

A report to be considered by councillors states that the soft market testing indicated "interest from both food and comparison goods retailers".

The archaeological review of the Charles Street site suggested it could be developed with "appropriate" mitigation measures in place.

Cllr Anthony Alford, Leader of West Dorset District Council, said: "Our aim must be to retain Dorchester as a significant retail centre and secure its economic future as a quality shopping destination.

"Achieving our next step is critically important, our county town is too important to cut corners.

"We have to make sure any plans are market-led, viable and deliverable.

"Car parking and preserving our valued archaeology will be cornerstones of any future plans.

"The archaeological peer review concludes that development of Charles Street is possible, provided located sensitivity to the potential archaeology, with mitigation measures and using appropriate construction methods.

"However, the Charles Street site alone is unlikely to meet the retail needs of Dorchester.

"In view of this, it seems sensible that any new development strategy should be wide ranging and explore if other town centre sites should be considered for development.

"Nothing has been decided yet and we will of course be asking the public for their views in due course."

For more information on the councils plans to redevelop Dorchester town centre, as well as the archaeological peer review and retail assessment report, visit dorsetforyou.gov.uk/shopsfordorchester