A NEWLY-RETIRED couple say their first summer off together has been turned to misery by constant noise, mess and smells from the building work next door.

Mel and Kathy South, of Wensley Road, Benfleet, said they cannot sit in their back garden because of the David Wilson Homes’ development to build 150 homes off nearby Kiln Road.

Their bungalow borders the site on two sides and Mr South, 62, said as well as constant noise, the view from his garden was of diggers and dumper trucks.

He also said dust blew on to his property from the site so the couple could no longer hang out washing as it just got covered in dirt and grime.

Mr South has tried to apply for a temporary council tax reduction because of the disruption from the works, which are not due to finish for three years.

He said: “There doesn’t seem to be any provision for that.

“Castle Point Council permitted this site to go ahead and I think they should be held to account for the effect the development has on local residents.

“They have a duty to represent us, as well as granting planning permission.

“There’s no help for us, but if nothing else they should put some permanent hoarding up that tries to screen the site off.”

Mr South, who took early retirement last year from his project manager role at Selex, in Basildon, said all he and his wife wanted to do was to enjoy their first summer off together.

He added: “It’s been a brilliant summer, but it stinks in the garden, so we can’t sit out there and relax.

“I would like to move, but we can’t now because the value of the property has gone down temporarily.

“This will happen across the rest of Castle Point as they give permission for more and more housing.”

Mr South said he was considering taking the matter further by contacting Castle Point MP Rebecca Harris.

The Echo approached the council and David Wilson Homes for comment, but they had not responded before our deadline.