The Crowdjustice campaign to fund a Judicial Review, taking the Isle of Wight council to the High Court over the Westridge Farm / West Acre Park 472-home development, has reached its target of £39,310.
At the end of last month, solicitors acting on behalf of residents issued a pre-action letter to the Isle of Wight council. Now the full fundraising target has been reached, the project can be taken to the next stage.
Lilley: IWC misjudged the resolve of my residents
Councillor Michael Lilley explained to News OnTheWight,
“IW council announced consent for West Acre Park on 4th August 2023 knowing my residents only had six weeks to raise funds (up to £39,300) and get their Lawyers to prepare a case by 15th September to file at the High Court.
“Well, they misjudged the resolve of my residents to fight for what they believe is right.”
Lilley: People standing up to wealthy developers, absent landowners and local authority
Councillor Lilley went on to add,
“This is real people power seeking justice for the community of Ryde Appley and Elmfield. 729 pledges from £10 to £3,300.
“This is the first time ordinary people/Islanders have come passionately together to seek judicially review and challenge a planning approval in their community using crowdfunding.
“This is the people standing up to wealthy developers, absent landowners and local authority and saying the process was unfair and unjust. I am proud to represent such caring and motivated residents fighting for justice, our environment, our heritage and our community.”
