ATTEMPTS to improve the appearance of Eastcroft Incinerator have been likened to putting a pig in lipstick.

In an echo of Barack Obama's attack on Republican policies, Nottingham City Council claimed the proposed expansion would still deter regeneration despite a proposed revamp of its appearance.

But the operators Waste Recycling Group (WRG) hit back, accusing the council of failing to back up its arguments and "simply posturing" because of fears of an outcry from objectors.

John Hobson QC, for the council, landed the first blow as a nine-day public inquiry reached its conclusion.

"Although... it is intended to improve the appearance of the incinerator with fresh paint and new cladding, this will not disguise what it is, or in any way modify the signal it transmits," he said.

"A pig with lipstick, remains a pig.

"Whatever the degree of visual improvement, the Eastcroft Incinerator will remain quite obviously an incinerator."

Mr Hobson said allowing WRG to invest £50m in the expansion would "send the clearest message that the incinerator is a permanent fixture, there to stay."

He said: "This message, sending out a clear signal, is one that would be picked up by developers.

"No developer is going to invest substantially in a site, building houses, flats or offices when he believes there will be a strong likelihood that people will be put off from buying because of the presence of the incinerator.

"The risks are too great, especially in these credit-squeezed times."

He told the inspector this would "effectively terminate" the city's ambitions to create a new business quarter and generate 5,600 jobs per hectare. The incinerator expansion would create just seven additional jobs, the inquiry at Nottingham's Hilton Hotel was told.

But Rhodri Price Lewis QC, for WRG, took a swipe at the council's case.

He said the arguments that the Southside, Eastside and Waterside Regeneration Zones would be affected by the expansion had been unconvincing.

And he dismissed claims of a ripple effect as "just 'puff' to try and bolster the city's waning case."

"One would have expected the city council to be sure that they had a robust case before rejecting these proposals for a second time," he said.

"You would have at least expected a proper assessment of the Regeneration Zones. None was produced by the council."

He added: "The city has been extraordinarily cavalier about the District Heating System and the pivotal role of Eastcroft in this.

"No alternative proposal has been identified; no alternative source of steam is indicated.

"It is all wishful thinking.

jon.robinson@nottinghameveningpost.co.uk