THE Government has announced a public inquiry is to be held into the controversial plans to revamp Dartford town centre.

The scheme, estimated to cost £94m, was given planning permission by the council in August last year.

But in the face of massive opposition, the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (ODPM) has now stepped in.

Opponents of the plans say the development around the Lowfield Street area would result in the destruction of vast areas of Central Park.

A road is to be built through the park linking Dartford High Street to Lowfield Street .

A petition with 13,000 signatures was handed to the council before permission was granted as part of opposition from residents and Dartford MP Dr Howard Stoate.

Last week the ODPM announced a public inquiry would be held in September where both sides could argue their cases.

A Government-appointed inspector would then rule on whether the scheme can go ahead.

Dr Stoate said: "This is one of the most contentious planning applications in Dartford's history.

"A development of this scale will have a profound impact on the character and appearance of our park and town centre and it should be subject to this public inquiry."

He added: "It shows they have listened to all the residents who signed the Save our Park petition."

Dartford Council leaders believe their plan will survive a public inquiry despite the idea being questioned.

They claim the development is in-keeping with Mr Prescott's regeneration agenda and think it would make a mockery of Government policy if it is turned down.

Council leader Councillor Kenneth Leadbeater said: "The decision leaves the Government pointing a gun at its own head.

"The proposals are based on its guidelines for urban housing and town centre renewal."

He added: "Most opposition to a road through Central Park was forged at a time when we could not reveal our confidential discussions with GlaxoSmithKline.

"The park became a political football and some ludicrous lies and distortions were told. We will enlarge the park to its Edwardian heyday."

At the centre of the regeneration project on the Lowfield site is a 161,000 sq ft Tesco Extra store. Shops, restaurants, cafes and around 500 homes, 30 per cent of which will be affordable housing, secure parking and health services are also on the cards. It is hoped 500 jobs will be created. If given the go-ahead, it is expected to take an estimated 18 months to complete.