Plans to build a relief road linking Wyke Regis and Chickerell could be back on the cards following a pledge by enterprise chiefs.

Dorset Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) has revealed its draft Statement of Intent which will set out what the county can offer Government and UK businesses, propose potential funding asks of Government and lay out the economic opportunity of the county.

The Western Relief Road plans would see a new road built between the A354 at Ferrybridge with the B3157 Chickerell Road at the Link Road junction, bypassing the A354 through built-up areas including Wyke Regis and Boot Hill.

In a report to a recent Dorset LEP board meeting which outlined the draft Statement of Intent, the LEP says that they will work with Government and Highways England for the realising of the Western Relief Road.

LEP chairman Jim Stewart, said: “Dorset is a place with tremendous opportunity. “In this Statement of Intent, we have set out how we – public sector partners and local businesses alike – intend to build a more productive, more attractive, more connected Dorset.

“Dorset has long suffered from poor transport infrastructure and intense constraints on development, partly due to its natural environment.”

“We will work with local businesses, business groups, investors and training providers in these sectors to improve opportunities for innovation, investment, start-ups and growth.”

Ideas for the congestion-busting route, named the Jurassic Coast Highway, have been in the pipeline for many years but without any financial commitment.

Key industry players, including councillors and traders, came together for the first time in November to engage in talks over how the scheme could lead to economic and social growth in the area.Advocates have said the road, which would cost hundreds of millions of pounds to build, is necessary to meet rising tourist and business demands – including the growth of Portland Port – as well as providing relief to the congested A354 corridor.

However, the project has had some setbacks after it was revealed that was not included in the borough council’s local plan or in the Department for Transport Major Roads Network investment programme.

Councillor Jeff Cant, leader of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, said: “We will continue to push for a western relief road despite it not being included in the local plan.”

“We are working with the LEP on the relief road plans while their new intent to government will also help to benefit Weymouth and Portland more.” Bill Reeves, chief executive of Portland Port backed the news, adding: “Any support for the Western Relief Road is welcomed as its good for business and will help to enhance economic growth. It’s right for the Weymouth, Portland and the wider Dorset area.”

“It’s not just about the port, it’s about other business interests in the area and the local community who will all benefit from it.”

Andrew Knowles, president of the Weymouth and Portland Chamber of Commerce, added that the road was important to address the growing commercial activity on Portland.