The Isle of Wight Council has netted nearly half a million pounds to make three more brownfield sites suitable for housing.

In the second round of the Brownfield Land Release Fund, the Isle of Wight Council has been awarded £426,000 — after also being successful in the first round.

There had been fears the authority would miss out on more cash, due to a lack of up-to-date planning policy.

However, it has now been able to secure a share of the £180 million from government, which has been given to 100 projects across the country.

The new sites are on Medina Avenue and New Street in Newport and Lowtherville in Ventor.

Cllr Ian Stephens, the council's deputy leader and housing and finance cabinet member, welcomed the additional funding.

He said the council is committed to prioritising opportunities that deliver affordable housing on the Island and the successful bid would help it in its endeavour.

Once the sites have been made suitable and ready for housing, they will be sold to developers to deliver the properties.

Brownfield land, also known as previously developed land, is the government's preferred land to build on — saving greenfields from development — but comes with added costs to make the sites ready for redevelopment.

The brownfield fund was set up with the view of making it easier for local authorities to turn the sites around and make them prime candidates for development.

In the first round, the council was given £950,000 to make the sites of Berry Hill in Lake; the former Weston Academy in Totland and Thompson House on Sandy Lane in Gatcome, ready for homes.

Work has been progressing on those sites as Thompson House has recently been demolished and Berry Hill sold to developers.