A long-running battle over a controversial housing development on the outskirts of Ryde on the Isle of Wight is to continue, after campaigners won the right to a High Court appeal.

Plans for the 475-home West Acre Park project were expected to gather 'pace' following the dismissal of a judicial review in August.

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.

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

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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 August, it was revealed the judicial review had been dismissed.

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

Developer Captiva Homes said it was "delighted" and said the first homes were expected to be ready for occupation in 2025.

However, Greenfields said it felt the judgement was "flawed" and on November 25 this year, the group was granted the right to appeal.

Cllr Michael Lilley, ward councillor for Ryde, Appley and Elmfield, said: "This has been a principled fight against turning rich agricultural and environmentally important land including the habitat and feeding grounds of endangered species into a cash-rich development site.

"It has also been a fight for fair process where residents are heard and listened to."

A representative from Greenfields IOW Ltd said: “We pursued this case in good faith believing that the Westridge Farm planning application was riddled with injustices from beginning to end.

"We sincerely hope that through this bitter process, and whatever the final outcome, the council and its planning department finally respect how the ordinary people of the Island feel about these green fields."

The appeal is expected to be heard in London over two days next year.