Migrant workers tried to defend the luxury villa-type development

Allan Garrard, 29, said his research indicated he was within his rights to construct accommodation for 60 workers in Gosberton, Lincs.

He told the court that the council had adopted a "Mickey Mouse" attitude by insisting he acted unlawfully.

His hostel was bulldozed in February after he failed to comply with a stop notice and an enforcement order.

Barricades

Police were pelted with bricks when the demolition work started.

Dozens of migrant workers erected barricades at its entrance to try to keep by South Holland District Council employees out.

Council workmen were attempting to chainsaw through the blockade when they were met with a hail of stones, planks of wood and bricks.

Mr Garrard, of St Johns Street, Holbeach, employs hundreds of Eastern European migrants in South Lincolnshire and Cornwall.

He is conducting his own defence at Bourne Magistrates Court after sacking his barrister, and he told the hearing he was confident he had acted "within the letter of the law".

The businessman claimed he sought advice from local architects and solicitors but they discriminated against him by refusing to work with him.

He said planning officers originally served legal papers on his workers in English, despite knowing they could not understand it.

Garrard denies failing to comply with a stop notice and an enforcement order as a result of the building work.

The trial continues.