THE redevelopment of the Charles Street area of Dorchester is pivotal for the future vitality of the town.

The comment was made as West Dorset councillors agreed that developers should be invited to come up with ideas to breathe new life into that part of the town.

Under the proposals approved by members of the district council's executive committee, developers will be encouraged to compete for the right to develop the site and then take the lead to ensure any scheme is achieved.

David Evans, the director of planning and environment at the council ,told the meeting: "This is a key site in terms of its location and size. It's pivotal for the future vitality of Dorchester."

He told the meeting that any new development on the site would have to support the existing town centre, enhance the character of the town, provide additional quality shops, car parking and toilets.

And he said the council had already received a number of inquiries from firms interested in developing the site which meant that the time was right to bring forward a proposal.

"And with this proposal it will be up to the developer to do all the necessary work to get the scheme off the ground. The most important thing we will do as a council is to select the right developer," said Dr Evans.

Leader of the council Robert Gould said: "This is a tremendous opportunity for the town to provide the sort of facilities that people expect."

Coun Trevor Jones said the scheme should be endorsed.

"It's the best mechanism for achieving a new development on that site."

But he urged caution.

"We've been around this course three times now and should not raise expectations of success to a degree where they can't be fulfilled."

Plans to enhance the Charles Street area have been under consideration for more than 30 years.