A DECISION on a £15m package which would change the face of a city centre could rest in the hands of the Deputy Prime Minister.

English Heritage has requested John Prescott examines the redevelopment of derelict land to the west of Ripon's Market Place.

As a result, planners who were expected to approve the project yesterday voted for a deferral instead.

The scheme would see a supermarket, shops, offices and parking for almost 200 cars developed on land off the city's Blossomgate, where cottages used to stand until they were pulled down in the 1960s.

The site has been used since then as an unsurfaced car park, meeting motorists' demands for free spaces close to city centre shops.

It was hoped the development would still provide parking, but also bring extra trade to Ripon.

The project would also involve the construction of a long-awaited inner relief road, linking Blossomgate with the Coltsgate Hill junction on North Street.

When Harrogate Borough Council's area planning committee met yesterday afternoon, members sat down to a report recommending the scheme was approved - albeit with a list of 43 conditions.

However, English Heritage has expressed real concern that the roofs of the buildings could block the view of Ripon Cathedral from the World Heritage Site at Fountains Abbey.

And, when councillors were informed as the meeting began that the conservation organisation had forwarded its views to John Prescott's office, the majority decided they could not make a decision until the Mr Prescott's views on the scheme were known.

The project has been pioneered by Maple Grove Developments, which won praise from Mayor of Ripon, Councillor David Parnaby, who described consultation on the application as an example of "how it should be done".

The Ripon Civic Society has also supported the proposals, backed during yesterday's meeting by local environmental campaigner and former Ripon city councillor, Barbara Fisher.

However, planning committee chairman, Councillor Nigel Simms, said the borough council could do little without knowing Mr Prescott's views, which were important because of the area's conservation status.