Campaigners have lost a legal battle to stop a major housing development being built on the outskirts of Ryde on the Isle of Wight.

Plans for the 475-home West Acre Park project will now gather 'pace', developer Captiva Homes has said, with the first homes expected to be ready by 2025.

Permission was formally granted in April last year, years after plans were first put forward.

Campaign group Save Westridge Farm and Greenfields (IOW) Limited fundraised tens of thousands of pounds to take the Isle of Wight Council to court over the plans.

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Campaigners believed the council made 'errors' in the planning process and said they could not allow the authority to 'get away with a huge miscarriage of justice'.

The council has always denied any wrongdoing.

In February, a King's Council judge ruled Greenfield IOW Ltd could have its day in court and a two-day hearing was held at the beginning of July.

A judgement has now been given, revealing the judicial review has been dismissed.

Captiva director James Pink said: “We are delighted for the Isle of Wight Council that the judicial review of West Acre Park's planning consent has been decisively dismissed on all grounds.

"This outcome affirms that the council managed the application with professionalism and integrity.

"Captiva Homes will now move forward with the project at pace, eager to deliver 473 much-needed homes for Islanders, with the first homes expected to be ready for occupation in 2025.”

It's understood campaigners have a right to appeal.

A council spokesperson said “The judge has upheld the determination made by the Council’s Planning Committee.

"While we recognise the range of differing views about this application, the council respects the decision by the High Court.”

The County Press has contacted Save Westridge Farm for a comment.