A farmer who injured his spine in an accident has lost his fight to save his home.

Simon Llewellyn set up home in a caravan on his land at Beulah Farm, Horam, near Heathfield, more than ten years ago.

Since moving in he has added a string of extensions including a temporary building, bedroom, timber porch and roof.

Mr Llewellyn was granted temporary permission to live in the caravan in 1991 so he could run his sheep and dairy farm.

But the 35-year-old farmer had to give up and sell the land a year later after being badly injured while driving a tractor.

Last year, Wealden District Council served an enforcement notice to remove the caravan from the farm, saying it breached planning regulations.

It alleged planning consent for the caravan ran out in 1993 and circumstances had changed because Mr Llewellyn was no longer farming.

Mr Llewellyn appealed, saying his home could no longer be classed as a caravan.

The case went to a public inquiry but Government inspector Douglas Morden threw out the appeal.

Now Mr Llewellyn has been given 12 months to move out before his home is demolished.

He said: "There used to be a cottage here before it was destroyed in the hurricane so why isn't my home allowed?

"I've been here for 11 years and nobody has complained. Most of the neighbours are on my side.

"I feel the case was not handled properly and I'd like it to be investigated. This decision doesn't make sense."