A couple claim they’ve contracted asthma caused by dust from a housing development being built nearby.

Mark and Pauline Pole, of Studfall Close, Hythe, say they have been prescribed steroid inhalers by their GP and have to take them every four hours.

Mrs Pole, 64, said her husband often sticks his fingers in his ears to drown out the sound of her coughs, rather than the sound of workers building the 1,050 homes.

The first 190 private houses in the Martello Lakes development, off Dymchurch Road, are being built and sold by developers Barratt Homes.

The work will continue over the coming years and includes open spaces, play areas and water sport activities.

The mother-of-two said there is a “constant battle” with dirt and dust, with a “fine film” settling on all surfaces including their car.

Mrs Pole said: “It is not just us, there have been lots of comments from other people who have been suffering.

“We have never had breathing problems before the development, it is just too much of a coincidence.

“We kept going to the doctors saying we can’t stop coughing.

“I asked if it was from the dust coming off the quarry and he said ‘actually, that is probably the reason if the dust is coming across’.

“I have noticed the problem for at least three years but I never used to think anything of it.”

She is appealing for residents who live near the development to get in touch and has put an appeal on Facebook.

Already, she has had responses from people in neighbouring roads, some of whom thought their symptoms were allergies or hay-fever.

Carl Bune, contracts manager for Barratt Kent, said: “We are sorry to hear that some of the building work at Martello Lakes may have had an impact on local neighbours.

“As soon as we had been made aware of the situation we have increased the appropriate dust suppressant to try and help control the situation as soon as we can.

“We would welcome any other neighbours to our development to get in touch with us directly to help resolve any problems as quickly as possible.”