A billionaire property developer donated £150,000 to the Conservative Party 48 hours after housing minister Chris Pincher awarded consent for a controversial housing scheme for his firm.

Derbyshire businessman John Bloor, 77, one of the largest donors to the Conservatives, having given more than £3m, including almost £1m in the run-up to the 2019 general election.

Last year was the first time he failed to contribute to the party in more than half a decade, according to The Times.

However, he resumed his donations on 17 March two days after Pincher approved Bloor’s plans to build hundreds of homes on rural land in Herefordshire, and three weeks after officials took control of a scheme in Berkshire.

The government failed to confirm whether Bloor or his representatives had lobbied housing secretary Robert Jenrick.

Jenrick has previously faced scrutiny, after approving a development for Richard Desmond, the property investor, shortly after attending a black-tie fundraiser with him. He later admitted his decision was “unlawful” because of “apparent bias”.

The latest controversy centres on a plan by Bloor Homes to build 625 homes on rural land near Ledbury, a market town. The town council had rejected the plans, with its mayor saying they would lead to damaging congestion and undermine a nearby area of outstanding natural beauty.

In March last year, ministers took control of the planning application and determined that the project could “significantly impact on the government’s objective to secure a better balance between housing demand and supply”.

The Times reports that another decision that could benefit Bloor concerned a separate plan to build 1,000 homes in Newbury, Berkshire.

On 25 February 25, three weeks before the donation, Jenrick’s officials intervened to take control of the plan, which has been rejected at least four times by the local council.

Jenrick or one of his ministers will now have the final say over the proposal.

A government spokesperson told The Times: “The decision on the Ledbury development was made following a recommendation by the independent Planning Inspector to grant planning permission and in line with … propriety guidance.

“The decision to recover the appeal at Sandleford Park, Berkshire, was taken solely by officials under delegated powers without ministerial involvement at any stage. Ministers are yet to receive any information or advice on the next steps of this process.”