Eight caravans must now be removed from the site at York Road, Brotherton within 28 days of the ruling, in which the Council was also awarded £2,000 towards court costs.

The case follows several months of action taken by the Council to preserve the green belt in this area, including an injunction against bringing caravans onto the site despite numerous changes of land ownership over recent months. As this action was ignored, the Council escalated the case to the courts.

Chair of Selby District Council's Planning Committee, Cllr John Mackman, said, "The success of this case is testament to the hard work of our planning enforcement and legal teams. This was unauthorised development in the green belt and, as such, we have a duty to protect the area from unwarranted and illegal use.

"Despite our initial injunction the development stayed in place and, indeed, was extended with new hardcore and utilities, so we had no choice but to take this matter to court. We will continue to vigorously protect the green belt and take whatever action is necessary.

In summing up, Judge Robert Bartfield explained that there was alternative provision available for the families involved and that they should not have used this site without regard for the affect on the environment. In granting the order to remove the caravans within 28 days, he also ordered a contribution of £2,000 towards the Council's costs, payable within 14 days.

Failure to remove the caravans would leave the families in contempt of court.