A BID to build two detached homes yards from where a huge crater appeared at Ripon in April 1997 has been put on hold by planners.

The Life Science Trust applied to Harrogate Borough Council to erect the two homes in the back garden of Ashley House in Ure Bank Terrace, close to where the crater forced residents to flee their homes.

It also caused the closure of Ure Bank Terrace for more than two-and-a-half years.

Members of the borough planning committee voted to approve the application but called for a satisfactory gypsum and ground stability report before the scheme can go ahead. Ripon City Council did not object to the development.

Planning officers recommended permission should be granted subject to conditions, including the ground stability report.

The original crater was 40ft wide and 16ft deep, opening up to devour a large chunk of garden and a detached brick garage. It eventually caused three homes to be evacuated.

The saga of the closed road ended when workmen poured 2,000 tonnes of stone into the gaping hole, enabling the road to re-open. It ended the frustration of a mile-long diversion through fields.