Now the group, which includes a four-year-old girl who was born on the site at Trevollard Lane, Saltash, will have to wait several weeks to find out if enforcement action will be taken to move them.
Members heard that the site was first occupied in 1995, and although there were initial complaints about travellers being there it wasn't until eclipse week last year that environmental officers finally confirmed that people were living on the field and growing crops.
Subsequently, a planning application had been submitted to retain the use of the land for vehicles adapted for residential use, the applicant being Ms Margarita Mentis, who lives in one of the lorries with her four-year old daughter. Another lorry is occupied by Mr Andrew Pearson and the dome tent by Ms Lambrini Mentis.
The council has received ten letters of objection to the application, mostly from people living in the vicinity, three letters of support and a petition in support containing 24 names. The applicant, who is expecting another child shortly, is claiming gypsy status and along with other occupants wants to expand into commercial organic food production on the fields. She and her fellow occupants have submitted a business plan to this effect.
Council officials recommend refusal and say that enforcement action should be taken to stop the use of the land for the stationing of vehicles adapted for residential purposes. The period of compliance should be twelve months.
The final decision was deferred to hear a report from the County Land Agent.