PLANS to build an affordable housing estate have been put on hold after the discovery of a medieval lime kiln.

Archaeologists came across the kiln at Ripon House, in Residence Lane, Ripon, while surveying for historical remains before permission to build on the land was granted.

The kiln was used to burn limestone to make quicklime for building and agricultural work.

Pottery found at the site reveals the kiln was used until 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, has 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 is 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 Seventies – they may have lopped the top off it.

“We have also found some excellent Saxon coins and some beautiful medieval stained glass.”

The site, which formerly housed a nursing home, was mentioned in the Seventies as possibly being the site of a 9th Century monastery, although nothing has been found to back up the claims.

The development of 28 two and three-bedroomed homes for local people is now on hold.

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.”