A report by the Local Government Ombudsman has ruled that Cheshire East Council misled the public over a planning application to change the use of some agricultural land.

The report, which has been published today, concludes the local authority withheld important information to the public during the consultation period, but later made it available on its website and backdated it.

The ombudsman, Dr Jane Martin, has recommended the council takes professional advice on what options are now available to the granted application.

‘I am deeply concerned about the council's administrative and decision-making processes in this case,' said Dr Martin.

‘The application was flawed and should not have been considered in the first instance, but despite that, it gave alarmingly significant weight to the applicant's own testament regarding the previous use of the site.

‘What is more concerning, however, is the council's failure in its duty to properly consult with the community during the process – and the apparent attempt to cover up the error.'