The planning committee unanimously refused permission for the demolition of one home to build seven new apartments at Balmoral House, on Bannerman Road, on 24th July last year.

Councillors claimed it was an over-development of the area because of its scale and close proximity to other properties.

But Ilkeston-based developers Paul Gaughan Building Consultants successfully appealed the decision and now the authority must pay £5,969.56 in costs.

At a meeting on Thursday, deputy council leader John Wilmott reminded members of the potential cost when they refuse permission.

"We cannot go against the officers' recommendations unless we have a valid reason because taxpayers will have to foot the bill," he said.

"It is wrong that they have to do this so we must be absolutely sure when we make a decision."

'Entitlement'

But Coun Tony Wallis stood by the decision, saying it had been reached through a democratic process.

"We were all against it," he said. "People do not take notice of the entitlement of people who live in that area."

Councillors have given the go-ahead for up to six new dwellings to be built on a brownfield site on Hodgkinson Road in Kirkby.

The site is a former scrap metal yard and none of the nearby residents submitted objections to the council.

Coun Rachel Madden said: "I welcome this application, but the corner can be quite tight and I have some concerns with visibility going out onto Hodgkinson Road."

The committee approved the application on the condition that they were in line with the properties facing nearby Cobden Street.