CHESHIRE East Council’s battle to prevent an incinerator being built in Middlewich cost taxpayers almost a quarter of a million pounds.

Figures obtained by the Guardian under the Freedom of Information Act have revealed that the authority had to pay costs of £210,088 at a public inquiry.

The council rejected the controversial plans in April 2010 but applicant Covanta appealed against the decision.

Clr Mike Parsons, ward member for Middlewich, said: “My feeling is absolute anger. It’s a waste of money because Covanta should have taken no for an answer.

“It’s one of the first things you’re taught as a child and it’s taken nearly a quarter of a million pounds to remind them what they were told in the first place.

“That money should be out there helping the people of this community. I think Covanta should take on that cost.”

Eric Pickles, Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, dismissed Covanta’s appeal on July 20.

In the process of defending its decision, Cheshire East Council had to fork out £72,300 in legal fees.

Council leader Michael Jones added: “In the midst of one of the deepest periods of austerity in living memory, I am proud that we made a decision to stand up and be counted and I am confident that the majority of people in Middlewich will consider this money well spent.

“The money spent fighting the appeal has not only benefited people living in Middlewich, but the whole of Cheshire East, as the incinerator would have drawn in lorry loads of waste from beyond the borough’s boundaries.

“The appeal process took several months and required a great deal of hard work from our legal, planning and administrative teams.

“I would also like to thank our barrister who put a huge amount of effort into the public inquiry, making himself available for discussions with staff out of office hours, working weekends and thinking creatively about the council’s case.”