A HAMPSHIRE MP is to face police enquiries over claims that misled council planners.

Romsey and Southampton North MP Caroline Nokes has been accused of breaching legislation when she applied for permission for a new stables and a double garage at her £1million family home on the edge of Cadnam Common.

However, critics, including Justice and Anti Corruption Party leader Don Jerrard, claim the application was submitted in the name of her sister – Elisabeth Bellingham – who was identified on the planning form as the owner of the property, despite Land Registry documents showing that Nokes is the sole owner.

In a statement, Hampshire Police said yesterday: “We can confirm we were contacted by a member of the public in relation to a planning application in the New Forest area.

“We are currently assessing the matter to identify if there are any criminal offences to be investigated.”

Mrs Nokes, in a statement last night, said: “The New Forest National Park Authority has stated they consider the matter closed and the police have, to date, made no contact with me.
“I reported Mr Jerrard to the police as I was concerned he had breached Section 106 of the 1983 Representation of the People Act by making potentially defamatory statements during an election campaign.”

The New Forest National Park Authority, who approved the planning application, said they considered the matter closed.