A decision on plans to turn the site of a derelict petrol station in Ripon into six flats has been deferred.
Officers at North Yorkshire Council had recommended that the redevelopment of the Skellbank Garage, in Skellbank, was turned down when councillors on the Skipton and Ripon area planning committee met on Monday.
But councillors said they were minded to support the application subject.
Applicant Tate Fuel Oils Ltd had asked for permission to build a four-storey apartment block on the site, which has not been used for more than 20 years.
Three two-bed and three one-bed flats were proposed.
The application had the “strong” support of Ripon City Council, while Ripon Civic Society welcomed a change to the plans, which means a pitched rather than flat roof is proposed.
But in his report, council planning officer Mike Parkes said the open undercroft was not sympathetic with Ripon Conservation Area.
He added that the height of the eaves of the proposed building was higher than the neighbouring listed building and the development would be harmful to the setting of the property.
The officer also raised concerns that no ground stability report had been carried out despite the plot being in an area with shallow gypsum that could cause subsidence.
Councillors agreed that a gypsum report needed to be carried out and the applicant needed to agree to various planning conditions.
The application will be brought back before the committee at a later date for approval.
In 2003, Harrogate Borough Council approved a plan to demolish the petrol station in order to build eight flats, but the work never took place, and the permission has now lapsed.
A similar plan was submitted in 2016 but was then withdrawn three years later.

Ripon drug dealer jailed for five and a half years
Another tank on us! Knaresborough woman wins latest Free Fuel Friday
New Yorkshire-inspired golf adventure coming to Rudding Park
Marathon runners raise £16,000 for Harrogate police charity
Driver taken to hospital after two-vehicle crash near Harrogate
Harrogate MP welcomes forced adoption apology
Children can visit Fountains Abbey for £1 when travelling by bus this summer
Harrogate Town complete Lewis Payne signing
Funding available for communities as Tour of Britain route announced
Work begins to protect Knaresborough Castle's historic walls
Harrogate declares vote of 'no confidence' in North Yorkshire Council
Hundreds honour loved ones through St Michael's Hospice appeal
Harrogate site manager wins prestigious national building award
Masham primary schools earns prestigious Gold award for outdoor play
Harrogate girl signs for Manchester United academy
Harrogate Town fan favourite pens new deal
Yorktoberfest to return 'bigger than ever' this autumn
St Aidan's pupils to represent region at athletics championships
Harrogate charity rescues kitten found 'alone in a garage'
Charity car show aims to give Ukrainian children a week away from war


