'Super council' plan for south east Dorset

The proposed single council would serve a population of up to 487,000 residents

A combined south-east Dorset super council could be formed by four local authorities in the region.

The proposed alliance is between Bournemouth, Christchurch, East Dorset and Poole authorities.

The single unitary authority would serve a combined population of about 487,000 people.

All four councils now need to formally agree the proposal by spring 2016. If agreed, the new council would be formed in April 2019.

John Beesley, leader of Bournemouth Borough Council, said: "This is a huge opportunity. This geographical combination makes the most sense for local residents."

Mr Beesley said the "vast majority" of council staff would still be needed regardless of how the authority was set up.

A possible name for the body which would have an annual spending power in excess of £1bn has not yet been decided.