A stadium boss has criticised Swale council for challenging costs awarded to him following an appeal hearing.

Roger Cearns launched an appeal after the council refused permission last year to extend the period it runs speedway racing at Sittingbourne's Central Park Stadium from one year to seven.

While Mr Cearns did not get the seven years he wanted, a government planning inspector granted permission for a four-year trial after a three-day hearing was held at Woodcombe Sports and Social Club in Murston in April.

He also ruled the council must pay costs to Cearnsport.

The matter is now proceeding through the High Court after the council challenged the decision. Mr Cearns, who claims the council owes him more than £40,000, says it is a waste of taxpayers' money.

"I don't know why they're doing it because the inspector already put up a robust defence and I'm told it's quite unusual for anyone, let alone a council, to challenge an inspector," he said.

"This could have been settled on the steps. This is going to cost them a lot of money. Why don't they just pay it? They've gone too far with this. They're employing solicitors at ratepayers' expense, and if they lose this they could end paying even more."

A Swale council spokesman said: "The council is challenging the decision of the Planning Inspectorate to award costs against the council on these appeals.

"The decision to do so was taken on the basis of legal advice which strongly indicated that the inspector had made an unsound decision. The matter is proceeding through the High Court and a decision is awaited.

"The precise legal costs of this High Court challenge are not yet known but if the challenge is successful, they will be met by the Secretary of State. The precise costs payable to Mr Cearns are the subject of discussions with his planning agent, and have not yet been finalised."