Glen, 60, and Diane Goymer, 55, sold everything they had five years ago to buy Bakers Puddle, in Buxhall.

Since then, the couple have spent thousands of pounds transforming the site into a popular fishery and a haven for wildlife.

But despite Mid Suffolk District Council granting permission for the fishery, the couple have been refused permission for a caravan to be used as their home and now they are facing eviction next month.

Mr Goymer, who often works 18 hour days at the fishery, said: "I'm totally gutted because of the time and money we have put into this. The council is virtually denying us a living.

"This was going to be our pension fund and now I just don't know what we'll do. It's soul destroying."

He said it was vital he was onsite 24-hours-a-day to prevent poaching and to ensure the safety of anglers, but the council disagreed.

Daughter-in-law Tracey Goymer said they had been knocked down at every turn.

She said the council told her parents-in-law they needed a temporary caravan on site for three years to prove it was a profitable business.

She added: "Then they said it was not in keeping with the surroundings and, despite suggestions to move the caravan and grow hedging, the council still refused.

"It has intentionally made them homeless and the thought of them having to leave everything they have built up is heartbreaking."

A shed used for storing bait and maintenance tools and a toilet for female anglers must also be removed under council orders.

A spokesman for Mid Suffolk District Council said: "Mr and Mrs Goymer did not seek planning permission before stationing caravans on their land.

"The council served a number of enforcement notices concerning the land. One notice was served against residential caravans stationed on the land and Mr and Mrs Goymer did not appeal against this."

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