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 it.

Jim Speechley is a self-employed farmer

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

Boston magistrates adjourned the hearing to Lincoln Crown Court on 19 March and granted the farmer 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 had five years as leader of the controlling Conservative group.