PETITIONERS could come under greater scrutiny as a result of a probe into a land development.

Ruislip Manor ward councillor Douglas Mills, who is also Hillingdon Council’s cabinet member for community, commerce and regeneration, says a petition in favour of a scheme behind numbers 51 and 53 in Pembroke Road, Ruislip, is ‘misleading’.

The application to build on land behind the two properties was discussed at the council’s north planning committee meeting last night (Tuesday). Before the meeting, the committee had received two petitions, one in favour and one against the application.

But the one that backed the scheme had a majority of signatures from people living some distance from the site, said Mr Mills, and in his opinion that made it misleading.

As a result, he is calling for an enquiry into the whole issue of petitions submitted to the council.

Mr Mills said: “I believe the petition in favour is misleading. The majority of signatures are from outside the area being considered, including residents in Hayes, Harefield and Ickenham.

“A closer look at the signatories clearly shows that in the immediate area there is not enough support to even reach the 20 names required to lodge a petition.”

The petition in favour, led by the applicant, Mark Rumsey, had 191 signatories, and the one opposing led by David Hood, had 106, but Mr Mills thinks this is not an accurate reflection of local views because the petition in favour does not include the majority of people likely to be affected most: those living closest to the proposed development, including the houses either side.

He said: “I will call for an enquiry into how we can avoid dodgy petitions being presented to a committee.

“The petition against this is signed by real local residents, who would have to live with the proposed development.

“We wish to encourage the right to petition but I do believe that the petitioners should be closely connected with the subject matter and have a clear interest in the outcome – not just 'rent a signature' types.”

The issue of the development of gardens and the demolition and redevelopment of family homes has angered people living in Ruislip and Northwood for several years, as homeowners fear developers are threatening the character of the area.

The application in this case is to build two, four-bedroom detached bungalows with habitable roofspace, associated parking and amenity space.

Two previous applications to build two, five-bedroom, two story detached houses also with habitable roofspace, associated parking and amenity space were refused, in 2010 and 2011.

The Gazette has tried unsuccessfully to contact Mr Rumsey for a comment.