The local landowner had asked for the council to pay his fees, but the inspector dealt with the two issues separately.

To receive damages Mr Scott, of Pear Tree Farm, would have had to prove that the council's decision had been unfair and that he was left out of pocket.

"Costs are not awarded for coming to the wrong decision only an unreasonable one," said the inspector.

"I have decided the council did not behave unreasonably and therefore the application for an award of costs is not justified."

Yesterday a spokesman for Mr Scott said it had cost him thousands of pounds to appeal, but said it had to be done.

"He needed those gates to get in and out of his property," he said.

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