A Sussex council has joined the growing band of local authorities trying to stop GM crops being grown within their boundaries.

Lewes District Council said it would prevent the crops being grown on land it owns and resist planting anywhere in the district. The Lib Dem-controlled authority said it wanted to be told if any planting was planned so it could formally object.

Council leader Ann De Vecchi said there were a large number of organic growers in the district whose businesses would be jeopardised by GM crops.

She said: "The jury is still out on the environmental effects of GM crops. We are responding to public concern."

About 40 county and unitary councils, one national park and many district councils have voted against GM crops. The Welsh Assembly has voted overwhelmingly for the Principality to be GM-free.

Coun De Vecchi said: "In an ideal world that is what we would like to be - GM-free."

Brighton and Hove City Council and Wealden District Council have called for a ban in their areas.

Simon Anderson, who represents the Green Party on Lewes Town Council, said a key concern was protecting the livelihoods of organic farmers.

Coun Anderson, who initiated work on the district-wide ban, said: "The initiative sends a signal, along with a lot of other places in the country, that we don't want these crops. We want to protect people."

Many observers believe the Government is unlikely to approve commercial growing of any GM crops in the United Kingdom for another 12 months.

Ministers still have to sort out separation distances between GM and conventional crops and a liability regime if organic or other non-GM plants are contaminated.

Bexhill and Battle MP Greg Barker is introducing a Bill in Parliament later this month, calling for set distances between GM and other crops to prevent cross-contamination.

The Bill includes strict rules on compensation for organic and conventional farmers whose livelihoods are affected.

He said: "This latest council move just reflects the huge hostility from the public to GM crops.

"However Tony Blair has made it completely clear he intends to press ahead with GM in Britain."