the hole in the wall

[blouen]

Orig: The hole in the wall had closed up.

Correction:

The hole in the wall had closed.

- or -

The hole in the wall closed.

- or -

The hole in the wall closed up.

[Buddhaheart]

Orig: The hole in the wall had closed up.

Correction:

The hole in the wall had beenclosed. Unless the hole closed itself, the passive should be used.

- or -

The hole in the wall was closed. See comment above.
- or -

The hole in the wall closed up. I won’t recommend it.

[blouen]

Yes, the hole in the wall closed by itself.

Therefore, which one is more appropriate:
The first sentence or the second one?

[Buddhaheart]

In that case both are possible: (We noticed) the hole in the wall had closed (itself) since last year; the hole in the wall closed l(itself) last year.

[blouen]

What's the difference then between the two? Wouldn't "had" be unnecessary then?