CONTROVERSIAL plans to build offices on the only patch of green land in an area with massive flooding problems could still go ahead -- despite being kicked out by planners.

retail giant ASDA's plan to build an office development on land off Warren Drive and Deerhurst Road in the north of the borough will go before a public inquiry in June.

But last September the council turned down ASDA Stores Ltd's planning application for 13 two storey units, car parking and landscaping.

The development control committee said that the site's open aspects could be lost if there was more than one user, which would be contrary to Blackpool's local plan.

Committee members also said the plans had not detailed 'a satisfactory means of drainage' for the site.

The area around Warren Drive has been flash flooded by storm water several times provoking an outcry from householders.

But Asda insisted the planning application concerned 'reserved matters' -- that the council had already previously approved office use for the land and was now being asked just to consider the details, not the principle, of a multi-unit office development.

The retailer appealed, prompting a public inquiry under the Town and Country Planning Act 1990. A government appointed inspector will now visit the town in June to decide the issue.

Blackpool's deputy council leader Cllr Eddie Collett, whose portfolio includes building control, told The Citizen the council was standing by its decision.

"We believe that Asda's real intention when they bought the land was to build an Asda store. What they are now trying to do is realise the full value of their asset," he said.

Asda spokesman, Jeremy Fieldsend, said: "We are appealing because when we bought the land it had got outline planning permission for office on it.

"The council is now seeking to change the application and that will affect the value of the land. We are simply trying to protect our investment."

He added: "If there's an issue with drainage I wouldn't have thought that would been a reason to turn it down. These issues can always be resolved."

The public inquiry will be held in the council chamber at Blackpool Town Hall, Talbot Square, Blackpool on June 8 at 10am.