A couple have been refused permission to convert a former German minesweeper into their dream home.

Fred and Polly Cole brought the 150ft wooden boat into Shoreham Harbour after Adur District Council planning officers backed the project.

But the couple towed the giant vessel in before the planning committee had officially voted.

The committee has now ruled the couple were in breach of conditions they should have met before bringing the boat in.

That could mean the council takes out an enforcement order requiring the Coles to remove the Fische from mudflats at Shoreham Beach.

Polly Cole admitted the couple were technically in breach of the conditions which included removing the debris of their old houseboat Lunasea, which sank in January.

They also had to remove the tug Bridget, which they have sold.

They said they felt they had no choice but to tow the minesweeper in two weeks ago because of tidal conditions.

Adur council chairman Liza McKinney, a member of the planning committee, said: "We made it clear we wanted the Bridget and debris of the other houseboats removed first before we granted permission for a replacement."

Mrs Cole said: "I am gutted by this. We intend to appeal against the decision."