Despite complaints that noise and foul language from builders are making people's lives "miserable", councillors unanimously agreed that construction on the new Rochester fire station be extended to seven days a week.

Work is now allowed to be carried out on the former bus station site, in Marconi Way, between 9am and 5pm on Saturdays and from 10am to 3pm on Sundays so the new station can keep up with its schedule.

But there were six letters of objection against the application. Neighbours concerns included the effect the construction would have on quality of life and health in the area; a loss of enjoyment of leisure time; excessive noise and dust; a loss of privacy, and the use of offensive language by builders.

Peter Gatrell, of Haredale Close, wrote: “Since work began on the site, we have had to endure tremendous amounts of noise, dust and totally unnecessary obscene language from the contractors workforce.”

He also wrote “the noise is a constant reminder of how miserable our lives have become because of what is happening a few feet beyond our back fence.”

Paul and Davina Mileham, also of Haredale Close, objected the application.

Mr Mileham works nights, and a letter written by his wife said “extended hours/days will give him no respite and his quality and quantity of sleep is effecting his work and as a manual worker this is a hazard within his working environment.”

Peter Gatrell: "The noise is a constant reminder of how miserable our lives have become because of what is happening a few feet beyond our back fence."

But the planning committee unanimously approved the application, stating the proposal was “not considered to have a detrimental impact on residential amenity or the street scene”.

The report also stated the construction hours would be “unlikely to result in local residents from avoiding certain activities” and “would not diminish the quality of life”.

The conditions of approval included an average noise restriction of 52 decibels an hour for any machinery which is operated.

As part of the previous application for the fire station to be built, an acoustic fence must be erected along the northern boundary of the site, which is the closest to residential housing.

Cllr David Carr asked if it was up to the council to monitor the noise restrictions, but was told it was up to residents to raise concerns about noise levels.

Kent Fire and Rescue Service spokesman said: “The restricted weekend working will facilitate the completion of the project by December 2015, allowing some flexibility for bad weather during the next couple of months.”

The fire station is hoped to be operational by January 2016.