Dorchester Town Council
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Dorchester Town Council
Dorchester Town Council is working to create a sustainable, inclusive town, where thriving communities and a rich heritage lay the foundation for a bright future.
We are the parish authority for the county town of Dorset. There has been a history of local government in the town since Anglo Saxon times and Dorchester has been the county town since 1305. It has elected a mayor since 1629. The Town Council was created in 1974.
The town has a population of around 20,000, which continues to grow quickly with the expansion of Dorchester at Poundbury and Brewery Square. The Town Council provides a range of community and recreational facilities and promotes the town's interests with the other statutory bodies that operate in the town, notably the Dorset Council.
The Town Council has 20 members in five wards, elected for a period of 5 years until 2029.
Office closure over Christmas period
Please note that the Town Council’s offices in North Square are closed from midday on 24th December 2025 and will not re-open until 9.00am on Friday 2nd January 2026.
If you have an urgent enquiry regarding car parking, roads, housing or waste/recycling then please contact Dorset Council at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk or phone 01305 221000.
Notice of Meeting: A meeting of the Planning Committee will be held on Wednesday, 7th January 2026 at 7.00pm in the Council Chamber of the Municipal Buildings (Corn Exchange), High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1HF. The agenda will be available in the Committee's section of this website at least 3 days prior to the meeting.