THE railfreight campaign may have ended in victory for local people, but the district council could still have to pay a massive costs bill to would-be developer Helioslough.

Although Secretary of State Eric Pickles reversed planning inspector Andy Meads' grant of the company's appeal, he appears to have endorsed his partial costs award against the council.

Mr Meads ruled that the council acted unreasonably and needlessly prolonged the enquiry, ordering it to pay Helioslough's costs for dealing with six out of 14 reasons for refusal, and partial costs for two more.

On the issue of air quality, for instance, Mr Mead said: "The appellant sought clarification for the reason for refusal early in the appeal process and none was forthcoming.

"I shall recommend that the full costs of dealing with this reason for refusal should be awarded due to the unreasonableness of the reason for refusal and the unnecessary expenditure caused to the appellant in opposing it."

The response from the Department of Communities and Local Government reads: "Having considered all the available evidence, the Secretary of State agrees with the inspector’s conclusions in his report and accepts his recommendations.

"Accordingly, he has decided that a partial award of costs, as specified by the inspector, is warranted on grounds of unreasonable behaviour on the part of the council."

It is very unusual for appeal costs to be awarded to an unsuccessful applicant, but the department has confirmed to the Review that the decision has been made because the council has acted unreasonably.

Helioslough has been asked to submit its cost application, with the final figure to be settled by negotiation.

The cost to the district council of the first public inquiry was nearly £700,000.