THE owner of a home subject to enforcement action says he will not give up his fight, despite spending more than £30,000 in legal costs in the past year.

Peter Thompson-Bates, of Constable Place, Mistley, was served with a second enforcement notice over the use of an outbuilding on the land.

He has been told the extension cannot be used as a home.

He must remove any fixtures and fittings, including kitchen appliances, toilets, showers, sinks and baths.

Mr Thompson-Bates said he has no choice but to fight on to see the structure recognised as a home in its own right.

In June, Mr Thompson-Bates failed to get a certificate of lawful use for the building when the application was rejected by Tendring Council.

It was the latest development in a nine-year battle to resolve issues concerning the structure.

Last year Mr Thompson-Bates paid more than £30,000 in legal costs rather than see Constable Place sold to clear the debt.

He said: “I put in an application for lawful use, which failed as they said I wasn’t specific enough.

“Tendring Council has said it can see from the application it is being used as a residential dwelling.

“It seems like it will do all they can to turn down any applications from me.

“I have to carry on with this and never say die.

“I have no other option - councillors won’t speak to me.

“Other cottages in Manningtree have been allowed, other certificates for lawful use containing less information have been granted.

“So much money has been spent on this, but I will have to sit on it and wait.

“If neighbours want the building cleaned up - Tendring Council must allow me to make changes.”

A spokesman for Tendring Council said: “This notice will take effect from September 9 unless it is appealed and it would then give Mr Thompson-Bates six months to comply.

“An enforcement notice served in 2009 still remains in force.”