A MAJOR stumbling block to the development of a multi-million pound project for a supermarket, shops and housing has been removed after English Heritage dropped its opposition.

English Heritage sparked fury in Ripon when it tabled objections to a £10m development west of the city's Market Place, complaining that long distance views of Ripon Cathedral would be harmed by the project.

They believed views of the cathedral, from the tree-framed carriage drive at Studley Royal Park, near Fountains Abbey - two miles away, - would be ruined.

But their objections came under attack from residents, councillors and Ripon Civic Society.

The application was put on hold by Harrogate Borough Council planners to see if Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott wanted to give a final ruling because of English Heritage's intervention.

But now the planning application will return to councillors for a final decision, possibly next month, after English Heritage dropped its objections.

Outspoken criticism of English Heritage's stance came from community campaigner and former Ripon City councillor, Barbara Fisher, who said the group had been irresponsible in opposing the development of a site which had been long awaited.

She also disputed the claim that the view of Ripon Cathedral would be affected.

She said the scheme would see a derelict area transformed with shops, homes, parking and could also pave the way for an inner bypass which would mean major improvements at the Coltsgate Hill junction with North Street.

If the scheme wins approval, the supermarket proposed for the site would be taken by Booth's.

Had English Heritage objections been maintained it could have led to Mr Prescott making the final decision.

Following an exhibition of plans, the majority of people said they supported the development.