A group campaigning against a development of more than 700 homes has been given the go-ahead for a judicial review.

Members of Advearse, which is seeking to challenge hundreds of homes being built at Vearse Farm on the edge of Bridport, were given the green light for the review against Dorset’s Council’s approval of the development.

The initial application was declined by a judge earlier this year, but the group’s lawyers were able to make a renewed application which was heard at an oral hearing in front of a different judge.

Their case was put by Matthew Henderson of Landmark Chambers, who argued that the decision to grant outline planning permission for an urban development of more than 700 houses, industrial units and other mixed use in the west Dorset countryside was open to legal challenge.

The main focus was on the fact that all of the development area of Vearse Farm, outside Bridport, lies within the AONB.

The judge said the case was ‘arguable’ and gave his permission for it to proceed to a full hearing. The judicial review is likely to take place early in the new year.

Advearse chairman, Barry Bates, said: “We are delighted with the decision. It confirms we have a case which is strong enough to be heard.”