A BID to build homes on a site which has been rejected for a supermarket has been tabled to planners.

Between 1992 and 1998, a number of applications were submitted for food retailing developments on the site at Beeches Farm, Magdalen's Road, Ripon. They were all either refused or withdrawn.

A plea for housing and open space was also refused, in 1991.

The latest plan is to build two detached homes - one of six bedrooms the other with five - and a triple detached garage.

The plan is being recommended for refusal by Harrogate Borough Council planning officer Robin Forrester.

The issue will be debated at a planning meeting in Ripon on Tuesday.

Mr Forrester says the whole of the site is outside development limits set for Ripon and adjoins the city's conservation area.

Ripon Civic Society is urging caution, saying careful thought about planning policy and the development limits need taking into account.

But Ripon City Council has no objection and "fully supports" the plan.

Recommending refusal Mr Forrester says no justification has been made for any new homes while the scheme failed to provide any affordable housing.

In addition, he said the area has been identified as being on unstable ground.