DISGRUNTLED residents have hit out over the management of building work in Grahame Park after months of misery caused by “noise, dust and pollution”.

People living in homes backing onto the development site, on the Grahame Park Estate, claim contractors are working outside of permitted hours and the buildings are too close to their own properties.

They believe there has been a lack of consultation and Barnet Council officers have failed to respond to their concerns regarding noise and dirt.

Linda Lansdale, 60, of Parklea, has seen her views across open green space consumed by a five storey tower block which now looms over her rear garden.

She claims the building is less than the permitted 23 metres from her property and workmen begin on site before 8am.

“I believe strongly that the plans have totally altered,” said Mrs Lansdale, who has lived in the house with her husband for 37 years.

“Because of the amount of noise, dust and pollution, we have constantly been on the phone with environmental officers to get something done.

“It is something we have been told we have to put up with. We have to keep our doors closed even during the hot summer. It has been horrendous.

“We don't have any say in it and they have not listened to our plight in anyway. It has been very upsetting and depressing.”

The 371 flats which back onto Parklea are part of the approved first phase of the £800 million regeneration of the estate. A total of 3,000 new homes will be provided by 2027.

But Mark Adams, who has lived in Parklea for 30 years, said residents cannot put up with the disruption around the area for another 17 years.

He said: “We had no vote on whether the regeneration would go ahead. We just want someone to talk to us so we can sort it out.

“We can't put the washing out and the children can't go out in the garden.

“We understand that people have got to be rehoused, but it is impossible for us to live with the noise all the time.”

A statement from the council said all houses on the site are being built in accordance with approved plans.

It added: “The council regularly monitors construction works to make sure these comply with the conditions of the planning consent and to minimise disturbance to neighbouring residents.

“No works are permitted to take place on the site before 8am, with the only exception for emergency works or if large cranes are being delivered as they cannot be transported by road during peak times.

“The council appreciates building sites can cause some temporary disturbances, but hope residents will appreciate the long-term benefits that this development will bring.”