A couple have expressed their distress after returning from holiday to discover a housing estate being constructed next door, leading to sleepless nights, loss of privacy and deteriorating mental health. Martine Le Barth, 75, and her husband claim that the construction of new homes just beyond their garden fence has severely impacted their quality of life. They report sleep disturbances, loss of sunlight, and even intrusion into their bedrooms.

The couple relocated to South Molton's Parklands estate in Devon in 1992. Martine alleges they were assured that the land behind their home would remain untouched. However, they were left "flabbergasted" upon returning from a six-month holiday to find two-storey houses erected adjacent to their bungalow.

They argue that the ongoing construction of the new homes has stripped them of their privacy, with loud noises waking them as early as 7am. Martine shared: "My mental health has been really affected and my sleeping pattern too. It is getting me awake at night. Over three nights I must have managed to sleep 6 or 7 hours at the most - it is bad. Our house went from being the most desirable to the least desirable with those big buildings so close to us."

The newly built houses form part of Tilia Homes' Cashmere Park development, which received approval from North Devon Council in 2021. The project comprises 129 two to four-bedroom homes, over 20 per cent of which are designated as affordable housing. The new housing project boasts two acres of public green space, a play area for children, and measures to boost local wildlife. However, Martine has voiced her shock at the lack of communication regarding the plans.

She expressed her astonishment: "We were flabbergasted when we came back after Christmas and saw that they built two-story houses next us very very close." Martine detailed the confusion over the consultation process: "The problem is we didn't know what was going on because they sent us the wrong plan originally which was for another development and then there was a consultation which I assumed was when we were gone for six months when our granddaughter was born."

She discovered too late that the consultation had taken place during their presence: "But then I've realised it was in the summer 2021 when we were here and it says in the minutes of the consultation that no neighbours were there - no wonder because no one was told about it."

Initially, the family's peace was shattered by early morning construction noise, impacting their mental well-being. Although the noise issue has been addressed, Martine now laments the loss of sunlight in their home due to the proximity of the new buildings.

Martine lamented the impact on her daily routine, saying: "I have been really upset about it. They blocked the sunshine as well because they are on the western side of us so I can't put my washing to dry on the line anymore." She also noted the absence of natural light in the family's study, adding to their distress.

"My grandchildren came for three weeks and when it is sunny we eat in the garden. Those people will see us directly." She claims that despite lodging complaints with the planning department, their concerns "have been ignored." Martine expressed her frustration: "We've asked for some frosted windows because we have lost all privacy - they have got a view of our bedroom and the study. They actually look down into our rooms, our living quarters. Our request for frosted windows as been ignored."

Considering a move seems a daunting prospect, with Martine adding that staying put seems inevitable: "I think we will stay there and live next to those houses but our own house will have lost a lot of value and when we die our children won't get the value the house could have had in the first place.

"Our house went from being the most desirable to the least desirable with those big buildings so close to us." Responding to the situation, a Tilia Homes spokesperson made a statement: "As a considerate developer, Tilia Homes is committed to minimising disruption to local residents while delivering much-needed homes in South Molton. We understand that construction activity can be difficult for neighbours, and we are proactively engaging to limit any impact as much as possible.

"Our Cashmere Park development, approved by North Devon Council in 2021, will deliver 129 two to four-bedroom homes, with over 20 per cent allocated as affordable housing. The scheme includes two acres of public open space, a children's play area, and biodiversity enhancements, including the retention of mature trees. We have also pledged more than £1.4 million in community contributions for education, public transport, and local infrastructure improvements.

"We would like to reassure residents that all construction is being carried out in accordance with the approved planning layout, which has not changed since permission was granted. This layout reflects the design and positioning agreed by the local authority following the statutory planning process.

"Our permitted working hours are 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and 9am to 1pm on Saturdays. These hours are clearly communicated to all contractors, and our site manager oversees daily compliance. If any residents experience activity outside of these times, we encourage them to report it directly so we can investigate promptly.

"We believe that Cashmere Park will make a positive, lasting contribution to South Molton, creating not just homes, but a thriving community. We sincerely appreciate residents' patience during construction, and we will be contacting Mr and Mrs Le Barth to discuss their concerns directly with them."

The developer confirmed that there have been no changes to the application since it received the green light in 2021, and that the local planning authority carried out the necessary consultations with residents at that time. A representative for North Devon Council stated: "This matter is currently being dealt with through our feedback and complaints procedure."

They added: "However, the impact of new development on existing and future residents is a matter that is duly considered by planning officers as part of the planning process."