Contractors accused of forcing residents out of homes by causing noise and disruption could face legal action for flouting the law.

Workers began revamping the Co-op building in London Road, Brighton, at the beginning of the year.

The plan is to see part of the 1930s building demolished and replaced with more than 350 student flats.

But after residents complained about heavy machinery blighting their lives, Brighton and Hove City Council has said it is pursuing enforcement action.

Geoff Raw, an executive director at the local authority, said: “We are well aware of residents’ concerns.

“Under the Control of Pollution Act 1974 we have issued the contractor with a notice detailing a variety of conditions to mitigate the impact of noise from the construction activity, including restrictions on hours of operation.

“The conditions are based on good practice set out in British standards.

“We have investigated noise complaints from six local residents and established that there have been breaches of the notice.

“These complaints relate to Sunday working and noise from plant and machinery. Environmental health officers will be working with council lawyers to discuss what enforcement action may be taken.”

The Argus understands that nearly every house in London Terrace, which is opposite the site, has been vacated.

One homeowner has reportedly temporarily moved to Spain to avoid the noise.

Shortly after work began, one resident, who has lived in the street for more than 25 years but did not want to be named, said: “I have always been a lawabiding and peaceful person but I now understand first hand why protestors chain themselves to buildings to stop a development.

“This development is ruining my life.

“It’s hard to understand how the recommendations of the council can have the power to wreak misery on a whole street of people.”

The homeowner added, in addition to constant noise, it took 20 minutes for a lorry to manoeuvre out of the small street.

According to the planning application, which was approved in December, Watkins Jones is the developer.

The Argus tried contacting the firm but received no response at the time of going to print.