I would like to respond to the letters from Peter Noble ‘Missing the Point’ (Your Say, May 25 and Alistair Chisholm ‘Given no Choice’, (May 24).

I fully understand that Mr Noble may support a reduction in the tiers of local government. However, even if there was a single tier of government the wide range of valued services currently provided by West Dorset District Council would continue and still need accommodation. These include housing benefits, environmental health, local planning, development control, leisure services, refuse collection, car parking and support for the voluntary, community and arts sectors. A new unitary council based in the county town would require not only County Hall but three or four other buildings as well, including the new offices.

The new offices will therefore not become a ‘huge white elephant’ irrespective of any future changes in the structure of local government. I applaud Alistair Chisholm for his enthusiastic support for the Brewery Square development. I agree that this exciting development is going to help revitalise Dorchester and support the vibrancy of the area.

I am also pleased that the author supports the redevelopment of Charles Street. However, like all developments, its success is not just dependent on one element of the scheme.

It is not the case, as Mr Chisholm seems to suggest, that Charles Street is wholly dependent on the offices. All elements are important – shops, parking, housing, public toilets and offices. The investment by the council in new offices is significant but it will be cheaper for taxpayers than staying in Stratton House. The new offices will be half the size, more efficient and will provide better facilities than Stratton House. Importantly, the new offices project will not require any increase in council tax levels.

Again Mr Chisholm’s examples of counties becoming unitary is an important point.

This is why we have consulted with colleagues at the county council on what office accommodation would be needed should a single-tier unitary council be created for Dorset and West Dorset District Council did not exist.

County Hall and the new offices in Charles Street would still be required.

In short, there would still be a need for the new offices at Charles Street, even if WDDC did not exist.

Robert Gould, Leader of West Dorset District Council, Dorchester