John McLuckie, depute convener of Falkirk Council’s planning committee, and planning committee member, James Kerr, were charged on Wednesday along with a third man.

The councillors, who represent the Upper Braes ward in Falkirk, have both been suspended by their respective parties.

Labour’s Mr McLuckie has been a councillor for more than a decade, while Tory Mr Kerr was elected last year.

Police Scotland said the charges follow an investigation by the Economic Crime and Financial Investigation Unit.

A Police Scotland spokesman said: “Three men have been charged following an investigation by the Economic Crime and Financial Investigation Unit into planning concerns raised in Falkirk.

“The men, aged 50, 55 and 63 were charged on 19 September and a report will be submitted to the procurator fiscal.”

A spokesman for Falkirk Council said: “We have been made aware of this matter. We cannot make any comment at this time.”