A PUBLIC inquiry into controversial plans for a Tesco superstore in Partick could last up to two weeks.

More than 1000 objections have been lodged against the proposal, which includes flats and an underground car park.

Protest group Stop Tesco Owning Partick (Stop) has campaigned to prevent the superstore, dubbed Tesco Town, going ahead.

The development is planned for an area of derelict land between Beith Street and the River Kelvin.

Nine days have now been set aside for the public inquiry, at which both sides will give evidence to a Scottish Government reporter.

It will start on Tuesday, April 22, and carry on to the Friday of that week. If necessary it will run from Monday to Friday of the following week.

The inquiry was ordered by the Scottish Government after Tesco complained about the length of time Glasgow City Council was taking to decide on the application.

Tesco wants to build a 7500sq m superstore, 915 flats and a 600-space underground car park on the site.

The inquiry, before reporter Michael Culshaw, will be held at the city council's Cafe George premises at 266 George Street.

Gordon Bickerton, spokesman for Stop, said four members of the group - along with other objectors - would give evidence.

He added: "Our chairman Samer Bagaeen and three others have prepared their evidence.

"We have a shop owner who will talk about the effect on local retailers, two people who will talk about traffic concerns and a GP talking about health issues from traffic pollution.

"There is also one other woman who is a member of the community council.

"I would say we are ready to go."

Anger erupted last year when Tesco demolished the old Partick Central ticket office building and protesters accused the supermarket giant of "riding roughshod" over the planning process.

Councillor Aileen Colleran has also opposed the plan from the outset.

Tesco has already said it will "play a full part" in the inquiry and is having discussions with the council about the application.