Wind farm bosses have apologised for noise created as they install turbines overnight, saying the noise will be over by the end of the week.

Neighbours in Whitstable and Herne Bay have complained of loud bangs caused by temporary engineering works at the Kentish Flats wind farm.

But bosses say the noise - made by piling foundations into the seabed - will stop when the work is completed.

The wind farm, owned by Swedish energy company Vattenfall, is currently undergoing a £150 million extension with 15 new turbines set to be built.

Vattenfall spokesman Jason Ormiston said: "Vattenfall was contacted at the weekend by a number of local residents about noise caused by temporary engineering works taking place 8km off Herne Bay and Whitstable.

"At the start of May we began installation of 15 wind turbines to extend our Kentish Flats Offshore Wind Farm by piling foundations into the seabed.

"We’re sorry that some residents have been disturbed by this activity."

The wind turbines are expected to be completed this summer and will form part of the only wind farm construction offshore in UK waters this year.

It increases the size of the 30-turbine farm, which has been operational since 2005, by 50%.

Once complete it will be able to generate enough electricity to power 35,000 homes a year .

Mr Ormiston added: "Whilst we do all we can to minimise noise from piling operations, if and when we pile at night it’s possible that residents will hear noise for up to an hour.

"At this point in time, Vattenfall and its contractors have piled 11 of 15, 250 tonne foundations, 30 metres into the seabed.

"When piling work has been completed - probably by the end of this week - there will be no more noise from offshore construction activity."