An elderly couple are at their "wit's end" having lost their privacy to a large development backing on to their house.

In June 2016 permission was granted to demolish three houses and replace them with eight new properties in Goldings Hill, Loughton.

While Harald Gaier is content that previous plans for a more densely built up site were rejected, as the houses have begun to take shape he is increasingly concerned about his own privacy.

The 79 year-old believes the houses have not been built in line with the approved plans, instead giving a clear line of sight into his house, which borders the new builds on Monkchester Close.

The houses sit two metres from Mr Gaier's back-garden border and have large, timber framed windows that give a clear line of sight into his bedroom, en-suite shower-room and living room.

He said: "The only way for us to have any privacy would be for us to have a war-time black-out with curtains fully drawn at all times.

"It has been absolutely impossible. The buildings are going to be finished in September and they are looking going to straight into my bedroom."

In June Mr Gaier's partner felt the loss of her privacy for the first time when she walked naked out of the shower room, only to be confronted by two builders standing on scaffolding.

The former medical worker has sent numerous emails to planning officers at Epping Forest District Council urging them to issue an enforcement notice altering the windows.

He added: "In the Essex Design Guide namely under the section rear privacy, it says very clearly that 'residents have a higher expectation of privacy from the private or garden side of the dwelling' and 'significant efforts should be made to avoid overlooking of rear-facing living room windows.'"

Despite his regular contact, research into planning guidelines and solicitation of Dame Eleanor Laing - who wrote to the council on behalf of several concerned residents - the building will continue as it is.

Mr Gaier said: " I do not believe anything they say or write anymore.

"I am at my wit's end. We would have no privacy.

"This development is quite simply unacceptable, and will be strenuously resisted by all legal means to the bitter end."

A Council spokesperson said: “All concerns reported to the council regarding this development have been investigated and we are satisfied the development is being built in accordance with the approved plans.”