More than half-a-million pounds of taxpayers’ money has been used to fund the High Court hearings regarding Samuel Smith’s objections to the building of Hazelwood Equestrian Centre back in 2000. Each time SDC has lost, but gone on to again grant permission for the application.

The hole left in the council’s budget is larger than the latest cash reward granted for the successful promotion of business growth in the area – although councillors say that money will still be used to tackle graffiti and litter, improve youth and leisure facilities or develop affordable housing.

Labour group leader Coun Steve Shaw-Wright said: “This is a massive waste of taxpayers’ money, which could have been far better spent on something that would benefit the district and its residents.

“It shouldn’t be possible for companies to pick holes in planning reports that are meant to be of high quality and then successfully win their case in court.”

The council will receive a £450,544 share of a £3.7 million government windfall for councils across North and East Yorkshire, and can spend the money in any way it sees fit.

Cash used in its legal battles covers the compensation awarded as well as legal costs for both sides, but because the council’s latest defence failed in May, the future of the popular equestrian centre now hangs in the balance.

A council spokesman said: “Planning committee members take into account the advice of their professional officers, the views of applicants and their agents, the public and other statutory consultees and local, regional and national planning policies when making their decisions.

“If the council feels it has properly reached a decision, it will usually defend its actions at any appeal of judicial review.”