Slideshow of Dorchester Scenery

Photo by Josh Keep Photography

Clock tower in park

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.

Remembrance Sunday parade and service

Dorchester's Remembrance parade and service will take place on Sunday 8th November at the War Memorial on South Walks.  
6th Battalion The Rifles will parade from the Army Reserve Centre to the War Memorial via High West Street and South Street from 10.30am and then the main parade will leave North Square at about 10.45am.  The service will commence at 10.55am. 
All the community are invited to join the service.  The Order of Service (programme) will be available online from 3rd November.
Free parking: All Dorset Council car parks in Dorchester are free to use on 8th November - although you still need to pay for on-street parking or to use private car parks (e.g. next to Co-Op).

Notice of meetings:

Planning & Environment Committee

A meeting of the Planning and Environment Committee will be held in the Council Chamber in the Municipal Buildings, High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1HF on Monday, 2nd November 2026 at 7pm.

 The Planning Applications that have been received to date (21/10/26) to be discussed at the Planning and Environment Committee meeting to be held on Monday, 2 November 2026 can be viewed under the Committees tab. If you wish to make a comment on any of the applications please email the Clerk to the Committee, Georgina Wakely G.Wakely@dorchester-tc.gov.uk by 9am on Wednesday, 28 October 2026.