Subsection (2) applies where—
the Secretary of State has accepted an application for an order granting development consent, and
the applicant has complied with section 56 in relation to the application.
The applicant must, in such form and manner as may be prescribed, certify to the Secretary of State that the applicant has complied with section 56 in relation to the application.
A person commits an offence if the person issues a certificate which—
purports to be a certificate under subsection (2), and
contains a statement which the person knows to be false or misleading in a material particular.
A person commits an offence if the person recklessly issues a certificate which—
purports to be a certificate under subsection (2), and
contains a statement which is false or misleading in a material particular.
A person guilty of an offence under this section is liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding level 5 on the standard scale.
A magistrates' court may try an information relating to an offence under this section whenever laid.
Section 127 of the Magistrates' Courts Act 1980 (c. 43) has effect subject to subsection (6) of this section.