OAK Road residents are facing a daily battle with “clouds of dust” from work on a new housing development in Halstead, it is claimed.

Preliminary infrastructure work has already begun, and developers Bloor Homes has submitted a n application for the first phase of 192 homes, with a decision expected this summer.

But the work is already frustrating residents, as the last two weeks have seen their cars and homes covered in a coating of dust.

Oak Road resident Martin Bell said: “My car has been covered, my windows have been covered, and so have my solar panels, it is not on.

“The summer weather has started now, but we are having to sit here with the windows closed.

“It is like a fog cloud of dust being thrown up and covering everything in a thick layer of dust.

“And all this is without even mentioning all the breathing issues it could cause people.”

Martin’s complaints were compounded when he was told rain should resolve the issue after being told to expect a visit from a Bloor Homes representative.

He added: “I use to work in the industry, so I am sympathetic, but I spoke to the developers and they told me the rain should clear it off.

“It is a joke. Do they really think that is a reasonable solution?

“You would think, since the development was quite controversial anyway, they would want to keep residents happy, but there is no sign of that.”

The 292 home development was granted planning permission last June, despite a host of complaints from residents across town.

The site will include 58 affordable homes, 5.6 acres of public open space, a new convenience store, allotments and financial contributions.

A Bloor Homes spokesman said: “We are aware that a resident neighbouring our Oakwood Hill development has been in contact regarding dust being blown off the site.

“We are in direct communication with him to resolve the matter as soon as possible.”