Me and my neighbours are fighting a planning application (just outside Herefordshire) and have found that several published supporting letters claiming to be from the public are suspicious. We have now had an official search done on a sample of them and they are all confirmed to be fake occupants. Some of the addresses with fake names on the letters are even multiple properties which the deeds show are owned by the person who has submitted the planning application!
Despite sending the full report (and therefore proof) to our local council some weeks ago, they have not even acknowledged receipt of it. This includes all the Heads of departments.
Does anyone know if the council is legally obliged to pursue this, and if so, who do we report this to if they are all going to ignore the evidence? Why should it be ok that people have committed these unlawful acts when they have entered into an application process which relies on honesty and correct information? This also makes a mockery of all the genuine objection letters.
If anyone has legal knowledge of exactly what can be done, and who we need to get in touch with, please help!