John Prescott has told the group to go, even though an inspector found "special circumstances" to allow their appeal.

Sevenoaks council issued an enforcement notice in 2003, ordering the extended family of 10 off the Halstead site.

Robert Simmons has now taken his case to the High Court in a bid to quash the deputy prime minister's decision.

Mr Simmons said he bought the 0.3 hectare site at Station Court, east of Knockholt Station, Sevenoaks Road, after investigating the possibility of buying other sites, but found they were too expensive.

He also claims Mr Prescott's decision failed to take into account the educational needs of his son, and says his human rights have been breached.

The hearing is scheduled to last for two days.