John Farenden, 63, lives in a rented bungalow next to Burrsville Hall on Gorse Lane.
He says a shed on his property was destroyed following one of several fires at the hall, taking with it tools and personal items, including Christmas decorations he and late wife Pamela had collected over many years.
The destroyed shed which had their years of memories (Image: Public)
“The shed is still standing there — I haven’t taken it down, I haven’t done anything,” he said. “I phoned the council and they were extremely rude to me. I was basically told it was my problem and to go to my household insurance.”
John said just weeks later, his landlord contacted him to say Tendring Council had claimed ownership of a strip of land running alongside the bungalow — land he says has always been treated as part of the property.
John lost his wife Pamela in April 2025- they were married 30 years (Image: Public)
“I’ve lived here 16 years. That land has been with the bungalow for more than 20 years,” he said. “The house has been sold about four times in that period and it’s never been picked up before.”
The land includes a memorial garden John created for his wife Pamela, who died in April last year, shortly after the fire.
The memorial garden that John is being asked to get rid of as it sits on council land (Image: Public)
“That garden is for my wife,” he said. “They’ve told me to remove everything from the land. I’ve already said I’m not doing it.”
John has since made a formal complaint to the council about how his case was handled. He said he feels communication stopped after he raised concerns.
“It feels like bullying,” he said. “Because I complained, suddenly they decide they own the land. They weren’t interested 20 years ago — I’ve maintained it all that time.”
He also questioned security at the hall, claiming there had been multiple fires.
“Not once did they put extra security in or extra lighting,” he said.
Tendring Council assets boss Peter Kotz said: “We recognise how upsetting the fire at Burrsville Public Hall was for those living nearby, and we are particularly mindful of how difficult this time has been for the neighbour affected.
“Like local residents, we were devastated by the serious damage caused by the suspected arson in March 2024 and again in a second incident last year and are pleased that the building has now been fully restored.
“In relation to the shed and belongings lost, these were privately owned structures, and in such cases responsibility for insuring and claiming for damage rests with the owner. We do, however, appreciate the emotional significance of the items involved, and concerns about fire safety on the site will be reviewed with the hall’s tenant.
“Regarding the strip of land, Land Registry records confirm this area has always been in the council’s ownership and forms part of the land leased to the hall.
“During reinstatement works, it became apparent that the fencing on site did not reflect the recorded boundary. A neighbouring resident was therefore advised of the available options, including reinstating the boundary or exploring a potential purchase of the land.
“An adverse possession application submitted by a resident has since been withdrawn. The council remains open to constructive discussions should they wish to revisit the matter.
“We remain committed to engaging respectfully and compassionately with residents and in line with proper procedures.”
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