A FAMOUS view of Ripon Cathedral will be ruined if a £15m city centre development goes ahead, according to English Heritage.

The group has lodged an objection to plans for the shopping development near Ripon market place, which planners believe will bring significant improvements to a rundown area.

English Heritage said the view of the cathedral would be spoilt by the impact of the development's roofs.

Alison Fisher, an area advisor for the organisation, said: "The pre-eminence of the cathedral must continue and it is not prudent, in our view, to take any design references from it."

Miss Fisher said the view from nearby St Mary's Church to the cathedral was protected by a World Heritage site management plan and the council's own Local Plan.

The multi-million pound scheme goes before a Harrogate Borough Council planning committee on April 15.

It includes a supermarket, shops, offices and parking for almost 200 cars.

Although English Heritage does not oppose some redevelopment of the derelict site, west of the Market Place and bordered by Fishergate, North Street and Blossomgate, it says there has not been enough research into buildings in the area.

Residents have tabled 25 letters expressing concern about the impact on their homes.

Ripon City Council has backed the application but the layout has been criticised by the Commission for Architecture and Built Environment.

A spokesman said: "We encourage the architects to take a deep breath and start again. And we advise the local authority to take a strong lead in planning and urban design terms so that applicants do not have to second guess what may or may not happen on and around this site."

Planning officer Mike Warden has recommended approval, with 43 conditions, including security cameras, payment towards recreation and open space, management of the car park and restricting parking in Westbourne Grove and St Wilfrid's Place.