A Kent council has launched an investigation after five planning applications were accidentally approved during testing of software.
Swale Borough Council said it was ‘angered and frustrated’ after the dummy decisions, which included derogatory comments about the applications, were issued in error by an officer for the Mid Kent shared planning service.
The council has been told the decisions are legally binding and must have the decisions quashed through a judicial review.
Cllr Roger Truelove council leader and Cllr Mike Baldock deputy leader, said: 'These errors will have to be rectified but this will cause totally unnecessary concern to applicants.
'This is not the first serious problem following the transfer of our planning administration to Mid Kent shared services.
'We will wait for the outcome of a proper investigation and then consider our appropriate response as a council.'
