AN ATM provider has been ordered to pay costs for wasting officer time at Bournemouth council.

In May last year the borough ordered Cardtronics UK to remove an ATM 'pod' installed without planning permission in Lansdowne Crescent.

Just before the deadline the firm submitted its appeal, seeking an extension to the time limit.

According to the report by the Planning Inspectorate, the firm did not withdraw its appeal when possible at an early stage in the process and "before the council incurred expense in contesting it".

The report says: "For these reasons the Secretary of State has decided that a full award of costs, on the grounds of 'unreasonable' behaviour resulting in unnecessary or wasted expense, is justified."

The amount of the costs awarded has not been disclosed.