THE future of one of Bridport's landmark buildings is set to be determined by the High Court.

Judges will decide who owns the former library in East Street amid growing speculation that it may be sold on the open market.

Dorset County Council currently has a 999-year lease on the vacant building as trustees of the Learning and Scientific Institute (LSI).

The freehold is held by the Elphinstone estate and the two parties cannot agree on who holds the legal title.

Restrictions currently limit its use to educational or cultural purposes but it is understood that if the building is sold these covenants may be in jeopardy.

Now the chairman of the Bridport Local Area Partnership (Blap), Charles Wild, has circulated a letter seeking views on the future of the LSI and the proposal to form a development trust for the town.

He says: "I recently learned that the LSI building might soon be put on the open market and that there was already interest from potential buyers. This appeared to conflict with the widespread understanding about the restrictions on uses of the building to educational or cultural purposes, or a long-term lease to 'the Bridport community'.

"I understand there is a commitment on the part of the County to consult 'all interested parties' before the building is put on the market, presumably to investigate other potential outcomes such as its transfer to a community-based trust."

Coun Wild said the district council, as planning authority, and English Heritage were also showing renewed interest in the LSI building, and that the council was committed to taking a strong line on any change of use from its current status as a community facility.

He added: "I also understand that some potential buyers have expressed an intention to put the building to community use which may have some merit, although the terms and nature of the proposed community use should be scrutinised closely."

Peter Scarlett, Dorset County Council's valuation and estates manager, said: "It has been agreed between the parties that in order to resolve the matter it will have to be brought to court. An application has been made to the High Court for determination.

"Until such time as this happens neither party is able to dispose of the building since neither can demonstrate clean title."