A review of the boundary between Bridport and Symondsbury now looks more likely – although any decision could eventually be over-ruled.

Bridport Town Council called for a re-think of the current position after planning permission was given for 760 homes at Vearse Farm in the neighbouring parish.

The town council say they had little say over the development yet will end up providing facilities and services to those who come to live there.

Cllr David Rickard (Bridport South) said the situation was similar to what happened when Prince Charles wanted to develop Poundbury, much of which was in the parish of Bradford Peverell. He said the result was the land being annexed to Dorchester to simplify the planning process.

“Bridport is the gateway for the Jurassic Coast and a tourist town. It’s essential to bring these developments under one council,” he said.

But council leader, Cllr Tony Alford, warned that the Boundary Commission Review for the new Dorset Council being formed in April 2019 need not recognise any changes and could alter the  findings.

Members of the West Dorset Strategy Committee backed the call for the review.

The Strategy Committee vote needs approval at the next meeting of West Dorset District Council before any further action is taken.

If it gets a ‘yes’ at the full council there could be a public vote early next year.

Jacqui Andrews, Corporate Manager for Democratic and Electoral says that if the council agrees the review consultations could start with parish councils, the county council and other interested bodies.

Final submissions can be expected by early July, followed by the publications of draft recommendations in mid-September 2018 , with the final recommendations in December.

If all the key stages are met there could be elections to the reorganised parish councils in May 2019.