Proposed investment zones in Weymouth and Portland could inject over £300million into the economy and "change the fortunes" of the conurbation.

If approved, the zones are expected to deliver nearly 6,000 jobs to the immediate area and 350 new houses and apartments.

The figures are detailed in Dorset Council's 'expression of interest' documents published and outline proposals.

Weymouth's 'investment zone' would focus on the town centre with the council say it was "England's least socially mobile constituency".

The proposals would see disused sites redeveloped to provide 193 new dwellings in a 'leisure focused development'. It would also seek to 'reduce the domination' of care movement by opening-up the waterfront to pedestrians and cyclists.

Economic modelling for the submission suggests there would be 58,000 square meters of new commercial spaces, 4,714 new jobs within the community, and £273.7million of increased economic productivity.

Proposals in Portland are focussed on the port with one residential site in Castletown. The residential site would provide 157 new apartments with 46,000 square meters of new commercial space, 1,200 jobs and a £58million economic boost all expected as part of the proposals.

Investment zones come with tax breaks for potential investors and what the Government claims will be 'simplified, reduced regulation and planning processes.

Cllr Tony Ferrari, portfolio holder for economic growth, assets and property at Dorset Council, previously said: “We have submitted three strong expressions of interest for possible Investment Zones. We welcome any opportunity to attract investment, improve infrastructure, and create jobs here in Dorset. The three proposed locations offer great potential for economic development and are suitable for this kind of activity.

A third proposal, for a commercial redevelopment near the Dorset Innovation Park, in Wool, has also been submitted as part of the expression of interest however the submission notes that the landowner of the proposed site is 'not happy' for the land to become an Investment Zone.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "This Expression of Interest does not represent any formal commitment currently by either Government or Dorset Council.

We are yet to see to see details of the next phase of the process but when we do, we will consider their implications and assess the potential benefits and downsides of any IZ, including any environmental considerations.

"We consider that IZ’s may be an opportunity to support our local economy by creating new business opportunities and the jobs that come with them. We believe this sits well with our economic objectives set out in our Council Plan and Economic Growth Strategy.

"However, we understand the need to balance this opportunity against the Council’s commitments extending from our Climate and Ecological Emergency declaration and related strategy and action plan."