Each local authority in the county has been asked to provide a minimum of 15 additional pitches over the next three years but West Norfolk has been set the highest quota of the seven councils in Norfolk.

South Norfolk is the only other district in Norfolk to have been set a number above the minimum, but its 28 pitches fall 25 short of the number required in West Norfolk.

The decision was made by the East of England Regional Assembly on Friday in a bid to create an increase in the number of legal sites offering decent facilities and access to public services.

Chairman Cllr John Reynolds said: "Throughout the east of England we need more legal places for gipsies and travellers to live.

"With every local authority providing some additional accommodation it will help solve the problem of unauthorised encampments which can cause problems for both local residents and gipsies and travellers.

"It will also help improve the quality of life for gipsies and travellers, many of whom are disadvantaged and currently have poor access to education and health services."

The decision follows a two-year process of research, public consultation and development of the policy by the regional assembly.

West Norfolk Council is already working on plans to provide the necessary number of pitches and hopes to legitimise a number of unauthorised sites to meet its target.

The assembly will be holding a 12-week public consultation process on the pitch proposals in late February, so people can have their say directly to Government and planning inspectors.

Government planning policies require regional assemblies to make recommendations on the number of caravan pitches for gipsies and travellers needed in each local authority area.

The final number of pitches required will be determined by the Government in 2009 following an examination in public by planning inspectors later this year.