LOCAL Government Secretary Eric Pickles has stepped in to a bitter gypsy row, declaring that he will make the final decision about whether travellers can set up a permanent camp on green belt land near Solihull.

Gypsy families are appealing against Solihull Council’s refusal to grant planning permission for a site at Eves Green, Meriden.

Both sides will appear at a public inquiry.

But now Mr Pickles has reserved the right to decide whether the gypsies or the villagers win.

He could overrule any decision by a planning inspector to recommend approval for the site.

His decision delighted campaigners who have been fighting the proposal since May and have maintained a 24-hour vigil close to the land earmarked by the travellers.

David McGrath, of Residents Against Inappropriate Development (RAID), said the Meriden decision would be a test case for the coalition Government’s determination to protect green belt land from inappropriate development. Mr McGrath said: “This gives everyone the chance to give the case the fullest possible scrutiny and a decision can be taken in the light of the sea change in planning law which the new coalition government wants to bring in.”