Developers have appealed to the government's Planning Inspectorate against the ruling of the East Riding of Yorkshire Council to refuse planning permission for a mixed use development of shops, houses and flats on the site.

The issue, along with other recent developments in connection with the site, is now expected to be reviewed at a special meeting of Driffield Town Council next week.

But council clerk, Claire Binnington, said they were not surprised the appeal had been lodged.

She said: "I think they are just keeping their options open and we have to respond accordingly."

The appeal is the latest development in the long-running saga of efforts to redevelop the site.

The plans, which include shops and other services, six new houses and 28 apartments, were turned down by the East Riding Council in December.

But the applicants, the Driffield Cattle Market Company Limited, have claimed that the authority's decision was not made within the statutory eight week period.

A date for the inquiry by the Planning Inspectorate has yet to be revealed.

Mrs Binnington said she understood the town council's objections to the scheme had been passed to the Planning Inspectorate.

She added: "Our objections are as valid today as they were when they were put in, so we will be reiterating them."

A spokesman for the East Riding of Yorkshire Council told the Driffield Times that they had been made aware of the appeal being lodged and would be defending their position, but had no other details.