AN inquiry into claims of “irregularities” in the planning process at Poole council has now been linked with an earlier police investigation.

As news broke that Borough of Poole’s chief executive ordered an independent inquiry into widespread rumours and allegations, it emerged similar rumours of “planning irregularities” sparked a police investigation in 2006.

While no evidence was found to support them at the time, the matter was still kept tightly under wraps by those involved.

Liberal Democrat group leader Cllr Mike Brooke said he had only just become aware of the earlier police probe.

He added: “In as far as I’m aware they are linked. The rumours haven’t gone away, which is why an independent person has been called in the hope that once the report is out it will resolve the issue.”

He added: “It’s the behind- closed-doors, the secrecy, which actually creates further suspicion, probably.”

At his own request he has given information to Sir Michael Pitt, one of the country’s leading civil servants, who is heading the independent inquiry.

A spokesman for Borough of Poole said: “In response to further rumours over a period of time, the council invited Sir Michael Pitt to conduct a thorough and independent review of planning matters in Poole.

“By instigating this action, the council is seeking to protect the reputation of the authority and its staff in the face of allegations which it believes are without foundation.”

He said police had also told the council that “an individual” was warned about wasting police time following their investigation.

A spokesman for Dorset Police confirmed that officers had found no evidence to support the allegations, and added: “We don’t wish to discuss the investigation in any further detail.”

After calls for more transparency the council has now also agreed to reveal the terms of reference given to Sir Michael Pitt.

They are “to examine relevant documents relating to development control at the Borough of Poole, including council and police files” and “to interview witnesses and report findings and recommendations to the council and if appropriate to auditors and police.”