A £50M redevelopment scheme for a former college site in Ripon has won planners' backing.

But the final say on whether the scheme for 188 homes, 40 care units for the elderly, sporting facilities, a residential training centre and educational use, will rest with Environment Minister, Mrs Margaret Beckett

Although Harrogate Borough Council planners voted for the scheme to go ahead, it must be referred to the Secretary of State because it is a departure from planning policies.

The scheme is based on the near 50-acre site in College Road of the former college of Ripon and York St John, which closed earlier this year to be fully based in York.

The planning application came from Highstone Estates of Harrogate whose managing director is Mr Richard Sykes, son of multi-millionaire Mr Paul Sykes, who spearheaded development of the Meadowhall shopping complex at Sheffield.

If the application is called in, the minister could give it her blessing or order a public inquiry, which could mean a delay of more than 12 months.

The college shut down despite a spirited campaign by students and residents, culminating in a protest march through the city centre.

The new-look campus would include:

l A residential training and conference centre in a refurbished Highfield House;

l Boynton Hall refurbished as a residential training and conference centre;

l A new lecture block for educational use;

l The old lecture block retained for educational use;

l A restaurant and bar;

l A health and fitness centre and jogging track;

l A new nursery;

l A care home for 40 elderly people;

l 21,200sq ft of new business units and the existing commercial units retained;

l The present lodges retained as homes;

l The main building refurbished and turned into 53 apartments;

l The refurbished of Owen House to create ten affordable apartments;

l Eight affordable homes and 40 apartments in three- and four-storey blocks;

l Seventy-seven new homes and three-storey town houses; and

l The playing field retained, plus new facilities with a sports pavilion.

Mr Sykes said the requirement from Leeds Metropolitan university had increased to include the new lecture block as well as the old one.

The scheme, which also retains open space in front of the main college buildings, was backed by Ripon chamber of trade and commerce. A spokesman said: "The balance of new building and conservation of so much open space is very much appreciated. We also welcome the provision of new buildings designed for business development and employment opportunities."

North Yorkshire County Council said it was prepared to accept significant residential development to finance conservation elements of the scheme.

There was unanimous and enthusiastic support from Ripon civic society.

Ripon City Council said future viability depended on increasing population within city boundaries. "This development meets those needs and at the same time assists in the environment and other services that residents of the city require," they said.

There were objectors to affordable housing, concern about access and parking and calls for screening of industrial buildings.

Closure of the college had such an impact on Ripon's economy that Ripon City Partnership was granted £2.8m of government funding for a five-year spell to regenerate the city. The cash came from Yorkshire Forward following a single regeneration bid.

The college closure ended a 140-year tradition of the site being used solely for education