The district council said it will look into allegations one of its members has influenced planning decisions after an undercover investigation.

Councillor Graham brown was named by The Telegraph this morning in a front-page story about local councillors working as planning consultants.

East Devon District Council (EDDC) released a statement in response saying it takes the ‘honesty and integrity of our planning system very seriously’.

A spokesman said: “We are not aware of Cllr Brown having any improper influence on the planning process and he has declared his interest as a professional planning consultant.

“Cllr Brown does not sit on the committee which decides planning applications and there are no local or national rules which prevent him being a councillor because of his profession.”

The Feniton and Buckerell representative is also chairman of the controversial East Devon Business Forum.

Critics say they group has influenced council planning policy, and EDDC agreed to set up a Task and Finish Forum to look into its dealings last year.

The panel next meets at Knowle tomorrow from 6pm, and a large public turnout is expected after today’s revelations.