A COURT battle to evict a homeless family who have been camping on their own land has been approved by councillors.

Colchester Council’s planning committee backed a decision to take legal action against Asa and Gwen Pryke who have been camping in a field in Dedham without planning permission.

The family-of-five are living in three caravans and three tents on land Mrs Pryke owns in Brook Street, Dedham.

Mrs Pryke, who was at Thursday night’s planning meeting, told councillors she felt she had been left with no choice but to camp at the site.

She said: “We want to resolve this matter. We don’t want to hurt anybody. We do really feel we have been compelled to do this.”

They claim they have been forced to take the step after losing their house in Wormingford when their businesses went under.

In July a court banned the couple from developing the site and ordered them to remove their tents.

They have been allowed to remain there until the outcome of a Government planning appeal.

Planning officers claimed the Prykes are in contempt of court for moving three caravans onto the site since the July court order was made.

Councillors voted unanimously to support the council in its legal battle.

Peter Chillingworth, a planning committee member, said: “I would commend the council in dealing with this very difficult case.”