A PROBE into alleged bribes over a planning application for student flats in Colchester has found no evidence of wrongdoing.

Vincent Pearce, Colchester Council planning officer, interviewed councillors after a resident alleged a developer had offered bungs.

The probe centred on Manson House’s application for 38 more flats in Avon Way, Greenstead.

Mr Pearce told the council’s planning committee, which refused the application, the allegations were a misunderstanding.

He said: “Having looked at it exhaustively and interviewed the alleged parties, I have found no evidence of any wrongdoing on anyone’s part.

“There seemed to be a misunderstanding about a Section 106 agreement, which is a legitimate means of mitigating a development.”

Section 106 agreements see developers and the council agree on payments for services and infrastructure, such as roads and play areas.

Cyril Ogunmakin, Mansion House director, said: “We have behaved honestly and ethically throughout.”

The application attracted scores of objections from residents and councillors, as well as Colchester MP Bob Russell.

A petition, signed by residents living nearby, was also shown to planning bosses.

Essex County Council had previously advised the development would put “undue pressure” on car parking in the surrounding area.

Since the application was submitted, Mansion House agreed to provide more parking space.

But planning councillors refused the application on the grounds of overdevelopment, lack of parking spaces and the undue pressure it would place on the street.

Mr Ogunmakin, said: “We are nearly exhausted. We have tried all we can to please everyone and provide more parking.

“This is about creating new jobs for people in the town, attracting new students to the university and making the right decision for the people of Colchester.”

Julie Young, Colchester councillor for St Andrews ward, said: “I think it would be incredibly irresponsible to allow these two new blocks to be built, knowing full well the parking on the site is inadequate.”

Avon Way House has housed students from the University of Essex since the Seventies.