CONSERVATION areas in and around Bridport may be extended to protect buildings and landscapes.

Members of West Dorset District Council's policy development committee agreed to call for public consultation over proposed extensions to areas in Bothenhampton and Chideock.

The 1990 Planning Act states that councils must conserve areas of special architectural or historic interest, the character of which it is designed to preserve or enhance.' Committee members also agreed to allow the council's design and conservation officer, Kim Winter, to make minor changes' to maps and written texts to ensure accurate appraisals of the areas.

A report by Miss Winter suggested a new area off Main Street, Bothenhampton, could be taken into revised boundaries as could more land between a footpath off Hollow Way and Quarry Lane.

The report says some plots of land in this area already fall within current boundaries.

Miss Winter added: "These plots are particularly distinctive on the 1903 Ordnance Survey map and their farming connection is evident today, preserving the village's rural legacy and retaining continuity with its past."

The proposed extensions for Chideock include an area north of the cemetery off Chideock Hill to include a significant tree group' and an area north of Main Street to protect boundary hedgerows and acknowledge the totality of the ancient plots.' Other extensions might take in North Chideock, focusing on the 19th century manor house, gardens, lodges and estate buildings plus a cluster of buildings at Seatown.

Coun Elaine Whyte said the proposed boundary extensions were very good' and everything that we asked for' was contained in the plan.

Coun Janet Page described the plan as very sensible'.

Councillors agreed unanimously to put the proposals out for consultation.