FLOODING could affect a proposed residential development more frequently than potential developers believe, opposition campaigners are claiming.

St Annes group Defend the Dunes -- which opposes any such development on or near the dunes -- says the latest plans to transform the derelict former Blackburn Home off Clifton Drive North into 18 flats use a flood risk assessment that could be inaccurate.

"The stated once in 200 years risk of tides reaching flood levels should be once in 25 years in accordance with our research," Defend the Dunes spokesman Ralph Carter said. He said the group had used "authoritative sources" in coming to its conclusions, and members fear that factors such as erosion by people and vehicles and rising sea levels could lessen the dunes' ability to hold back severe storms.

But Blackpool-based Crowden Collins, who put the planning application to Fylde Borough Council for the Blackburn Home development, said research into the site had been carried out with great care.

"Obviously it's something we needed to look into. Fylde themselves wanted to be satisfied that there wasn't a problem there with flooding, which they are. And the Environment Agency have confirmed that they are quite satisfied with the situation.

"There's been no flooding in that area, St Annes would flood before that area does. And if you think of how high the sand hills are in front of the old Blackburn Home -- they are massive."

This latest application could go before council in March. It follows an unsuccessful application last year which was scrutinised then rejected by central government.

Mr Collins said "a lot of time and work" had been put into the latest plans. "I do genuinely care about the site and the last thing I want is something to be put there which isn't right," he said.