THE use of controversial "stop notices" to ban gipsies and travellers from occupying unauthorised campsites has been upheld by the High Court after a Worcestershire family argued it was wrong.

A judge ruled that protecting the environment through using the notices as a means of planning control was legitimate "even in cases where gipsies are deprived of their place of residence."

The case arose after a number of Romany gipsies moved onto land in Eckington, near Pershore, in May last year. Wychavon District Council issued a stop notice a month later to prevent them from continuing to live on the site.

This latest ruling has wide implications for local councils and gipsy families and Mr Justice Crane said effective enforcement action was necessary "to prevent public confidence."

He said: "The arrival of caravans can be accompanied, quite rapidly, by the laying of hardstanding, roadways and other development."

The decision was a blow to Romany gipsy Claire Wilson, one of those who set up home in the Worcestershire village.

She had attacked the 1990 Town and Country Planning Act and argued it contravened her human rights.

Charles George QC, appearing for Mrs Wilson, argued the law was having "a disproportionate effect" on Romany gipsies and Irish travellers because of their reliance on caravans as their homes.

Planning experts regard the stop notice procedure as offering planning authorities the best means of urgent action in such circumstances.

A section of the 1990 Act states that a stop notice "shall not prohibit the use of any building as a dwelling house." But caravans are not covered by the exemption.

Ian Marshall, head of legal and support services of Wychavon District Council, said: "We are delighted with the decision.

"We have used stop notices on a number of occasions and found them a very useful tool. We will continue to use them in the future."