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More on KentOnline
A family could be forced to move from their forever home thanks to the stench of a nearby asphalt plant.
Neil Hammond has been plagued by the unpleasant aroma emanating from the Hanson UK asphalt plant in Allington, near Maidstone, for several weeks.
The over-powering smell of the bitumen, which is used in the production of the surfacing material, has forced the family to keep windows and doors at their five-bedroom property in The Orchards closed despite the soaring temperatures.
Now the 42-year-old father of two says if the plant - which is located on the 20/20 Industrial Estate - will not stop producing such a stink his dream home could have to go back on the market.
"It will make me want to leave," Mr Hammond said. "It's affecting me too much. It could go on all summer.
"I have now formed a group of local residents who are fed up with our way of life being upset by big business in the area which appears to be able to get away with whatever they want.
"I will be distributing leaflets to try and gain a better understanding throughout the Orchards development to see how far this has travelled and affected people."
Neighbours in the area who are being affected by the odour coming from the site are logging their experiences to try and build a clearer picture of the impact on the area.
Mr Hammond - who has been in touch with local councillors as well as the plant's operator - hopes more people will come forward if they too are being affected by the smell of the bitumen.
Hanson UK says it has invested more than £7 million in the Allington asphalt plant, which it claims is now one of the most advanced in Europe.
Site manager Krishnan Patel said: "It is normal for asphalt plants to release odour as a result of the bitumen used in production and we are aware of reports from our neighbours at our Allington plant.
"We have liaised with the local environmental health officer and all activity is within accepted guidelines. However, we take our responsibility as a good neighbour very seriously. I can confirm that we are looking at new, lower-odour bitumen options over the coming weeks."
