A historic Kent castle has been turned into a film set - but its owners have issued an apology following a “miscommunication of the site’s boundaries”.

Lympne Castle near Hythe is being used to shoot a comedy, with production vehicles parked in a private road outside and in the nearby village hall car park.

Crews will be in the area until Wednesday (October 30) when the 10-day shoot comes to a close.

It is unclear what issue the “miscommunication” caused, but the filming has sparked concern among residents as they have been left “struggling to find spaces to park”.

It comes after businesswoman Dr Ann Kaplan Mulholland snapped up the castle with her husband Dr Stephen Mulholland for £5.5 million last year after it was put on the market for double that price.

In a statement, a spokeswoman for the castle said: “A movie has been made here strictly within the walls of the castle over a 10-day period, with filming due to end this Wednesday.

“Due to a miscommunication, the film production company did not know the boundaries of the property.

“In real time and as soon as this was brought to the attention of the castle’s management, the issue was immediately rectified, and we apologise for any inconvenience that may have been caused.

“The film production trucks are parked in Castle Close, which is a private street owned by the castle, as well as in a nearby public car park.”

The spokeswoman added how the site owners “have the utmost respect for our neighbours and continue to involve the local community in our plans”.

“Like many of England’s finest castles and historic properties, Lympne Castle has long been a stunning location used for filming, as well as weddings and other events,” she added.

“We strive to be a positive force by giving back and continue to support our local community,” she added.

“We want Lympne Castle to be known as a beautiful, peaceful and tranquil place for all who visit.”

Cast and crew members are being transported to the castle in minibuses from nearby Lympne Industrial Estate, which is being used as a base.

But one villager said: “It’s getting silly. I went to the toddler group [at the village hall] on Thursday, and there were parents and grandparents struggling to find spaces in the car park to get to this group.

“I would imagine it’s not the only one affected.”

However, other residents say they appreciate seeing investment in the landmark.

“I think the castle's opening has been the best thing to happen to Lympne in the 40 years I’ve lived here,” they said.

“It’s brought life to the village. I love all the events they put on; it's always something to look forward to.”

In July, a casting call was announced for a lady-in-waiting role in a new reality TV series set to be filmed at the Grade I-listed venue, but it is unclear if that production is currently being shot.

The site also recently saw the opening of The Naughty Dog restaurant in the space previously occupied by The Bistro.