Villagers are unhappy at “obtrusive” signs advertising new homes, which were put up without permission.

Residents say the three flag poles, which are almost six metres high, and three signs, are out of keeping with the area and dangerous for drivers in St Mary’s Rise, Lydden, Dover.

They are also angry the fixtures, which advertise 31 new houses, have been put up before developers Pentland Homes asked for permission, with the business putting in a retrospective application in April.

Resident Gaelle Degrange said on the Dover District Council (DDC) planning portal: “These signs are far too large and totally not in keeping with the village.

“Tourists are likely to think they are in Spain rather than a small British village.

“The signs are also very distracting when driving, making it dangerous in an area already congested with cars.”

Stuart Taylor added: “They cause an additional distraction and visibility hazard to road users exiting St Mary's Rise.

“They are already having to contend with the multiple trader vehicles that park on the road and pavement along Canterbury road, whilst working at the Pentland site.”

Ian McAthy wrote: ”Given the estate is nearing completion and well advertised on the internet I do not see any need for such large obtrusive banners to be erected.

“Everyone knows it is there. The fact that they have already been installed without planning permission is outrageous, an insult not only to the residents of Lydden but also to the DDC planning authority.”

Pentland Homes has now made a retrospective planning application to DDC to display the flagpoles, up to 5.9 metres high, and three low level boards up to 2.44 metres wide. The request is to have them there from April 12 this year to next April 26.

This signs advertise the new Lydden Hills development of 31 three and four bedroomed houses. They are expected to be completed by the end of this year.

Lydden Parish Council opposes the signs because it believes the poles are unsightly, and impact visibility when going in and out of the estate and nearby GP surgery.

A spokesman for Pentland Homes said: “Our signage had to be changed following a rebrand of the company.

“The new signage is comparable with the signage you will see across many housing developments in Kent.”