Families say they can't use their gardens or let their children play outside because of dust blowing over from a neighbouring building site.

St Modwen Homes has started work on its 300-home Orchard Mill housing development in Ditton.

But amid one of the driest summers on record, the construction is causing significant amounts of dirt to blanket neighbours' cars, windows and outdoor spaces.

Kay Risby, who lives in Cherry Orchard, said: "The very first day they started work, two weeks ago, our backyard and garden furniture were covered in dust, and because we had the windows open, it came in the house too."

She and her neighbours complained to the site manager, and for a few days there was no further problem.

But she said: "We came back last Monday from a weekend away to find everything coated in dust worse than ever.

"It took two-and-a-half hours for us to hose everything down."

Mrs Risby's property adjoins the new building site.

She said: "It's ironic. We're having one of the best summers ever, but we can't sit out in our back gardens and enjoy it because of the dust and noise from the site.

"It's particularly tough on my neighbour who has young children, but can't let them play in the garden."

She said: "When they were seeking planning permission, we were assured by St Modwen that the noise and disruption would be kept to a minimum, but sadly this is not the case.

"Since the works have started our road has been left with significant amounts of dust. Our windows are filthy, our cars are filthy, and all our garden furniture is filthy.

"You cannot have the windows open, which in these temperatures is difficult.

"I have written to St Modwen Homes' head office to complain, but I have had no response."

She said: "Of course, now there's a hosepipe ban we won't even be able to clean the dust off."

St Modwen Homes had described its Orchard Mill scheme as an "exciting opportunity to build a haven within the Ditton area, filled with green spaces and parks for residents to enjoy."

The land, formerly known as Ditton Edge, was granted outline planning permission in November 2020, despite a petition signed by 1,600 people against the plans.

The site was previously owned by the East Malling Trust.

Ahead of the construction, the company's regional manager, Jeremy Attwater, had said: "We are looking forward to getting started on the construction.

"For us, it’s more than just building new homes because we care about the surrounding areas and the communities we create."

A spokesman for St Modwen Homes said: "We regret the current dust levels at the Orchard Mill, Ditton, development caused by the exceptionally dry conditions.

"To address the issue, we have increased dust suppression measures at the site which include water bowser tankers to dampen down the site.

"We have also installed dust monitoring stations at the site perimeter, which will be regularly inspected."

The company further said that, with regard to the imminent hosepipe ban, any water it used would not be wasted and would be used responsibly.