Development of a £10m shopping and housing project will be delayed for at least two months while experts probe the extent of gypsum deposits on the site.

The scheme cannot proceed until completion of a wider probe of the derelict site for deposits and details of their potential impact on development.

A preliminary survey revealed the deposits near planned homes and shops at Ripon, North Yorkshire.

Maple Grove Developments is calling in experts to drill further holes in a bid to see the full extent of gypsum on the site west of Market Place, which is earmarked for a supermarket, shops, apartments and parking for almost 200 cars.

The firm has warned drivers that there will be restrictions on parking in the area until the wider investigation is completed.

The development has already been given the backing of councillors.

Harrogate Borough Council's chief planning officer, Tim Richards, will await the final receipt of a ground stability report before considering giving final approval under his delegated powers.

Problems caused by gypsum in the Ripon area were highlighted eight years ago when a huge crater opened up in the Ure Bank area closing a road, swallowing up a garden, garage and eventually leading to demolition of some nearby homes.

Since then, developments in the "gypsum zone" have had to submit ground stability reports.