I think I did something really really stupid!

Well, as mentioned,I am not really allowed to keep chickens, due to council regulations. But I have since talked to my neighbours and they said they have no problems with it. The closest one even asked whether she could come and see them when I have them. Turns out she grew up on a farm and loves chickens.

But stupid me decided to contact council anyway to see if I could apply for a permit. I thought: if nobody asks to keep chickens, they wouldn't know that people would like to, so there would never be a change in the local law...
So, I sent them an email through their website. A few days later I got a letter from the council saying that chickens are prohibited. Period. I can't remember giving them my address. But I must have. How dumb!
now, if I decide to get chickens anyway (illegally), do you think they might give me a surprise visit to check whether I am complying with their rules? I now have it in writing that I'm not even allowed a Bantam chicken. So I can't even feign ignorance.
Grrrr, I should have called them instead of sending an email....