Mr Speechley was given unconditional bail

Councillor Jim Speechley, 66, is charged with seeking to influence a road route with a view to gaining a personal advantage.

It is alleged the value of a field he owned in the Crowland area stood to increase if the A1073 improvement scheme was routed near to it.

Mr Speechley, 66, of Peterborough Road, Crowland, is said to have committed the offence between January 2000 and December 2001.

The self-employed farmer spoke only to confirm his name at the hearing at Lincoln Crown Court on Wednesday. No plea was made.

Mr Justice Crane adjourned the case for a plea and directions hearing at Lincoln Crown Court on 21 May and granted Mr Speechley unconditional bail.

Mr Speechley is the council's longest-serving member, having represented the Crowland area since the authority was established in 1974.

He was awarded a CBE in 1993 and was leader of the controlling Conservative group for five years until late last year.