PLANS to build a new affordable housing estate in Ripon have been put on hold after the discovery of a rare historical artefact.

Archaeologists came across the medieval lime kiln at Ripon House, on Residence Lane, while doing a survey to check for historical remains before permission to build on the land was granted.

The kiln would have been used to burn limestone to make quicklime, which would have then been used in building and agricultural work.

Pottery found at the kiln dates its abandonment to the 16th century.

Other items found at the site include masonry, ceramic tiles, decorated window glass and some animal and human bones.

The company that owns the site, Home, have now called in WYAS Archaeology Services to produce a full report into the history of the site back to the Anglo-Saxons, which they are obliged to do under the planning process.

Archaeologist Ian Roberts, who has been working on the site, said: "It’s a very well preserved example of a kiln from this period, although it may have been damaged by earlier building work on the site in the 70’s- they may have lopped the top off it.

"We’ve also found some excellent Saxon coins and some beautiful medieval stained glass."

The site, which was formerly a nursing home, was flagged in the 1970’s as possibly being the site of a 9th century monastery, although so far during this dig nothing has been found to back up the claims.

The development of more than 27 two and three bedroom homes for local people in need of affordable housing has now been put on hold while the kiln is investigated.

Project manager Gerald Hemingway said: "Ripon has an incredible historical background and to find such a structure on site was fantastic.

"Home are obliged and willing to keep the development on hold until such time as the archaeologists have agreed the level of protection works required to preserve the kiln. The development will go ahead once we have a full agreement in place from the experts."