A group of Dagenham neighbours have told how an extension to a nearby school will loom over their bungalows - yet the first that they heard about it was when the scaffolding went up just over a week ago.

The residents of Mayswood Gardens say the two-storey extension to John Perry School will compromise their privacy in their own homes, as well as affecting the value of their properties.

Robert, 63, who lives with his wife, Beryl, 64 said: “We woke up one morning, saw the scaffolding and went straight down there to find out what was going on, only to find out this extension was being built. “We used to have a lovely view, now there will just be a two-storey building in front of us.”

Barking and Dagenham Council says hand-delivered letters were sent to residents informing them about the extension, which will house seven new classrooms - but the neighbours say they have received no correspondence.

Billy Colville, who lives with his partner, Grace and their 17-month-old son, Ralph, said: “If I had a chance to, I would have objected because as far as I’m concerned it is going to lower the value of my home.

“They obviously want to make the school bigger but I would like the planner to come to my home and see how it effects my family.”

Kelly Buckhorn, who lives with her husband, Steve, and their two children, said: “It is going to have a massive impact on us because we have got no trees at the back of our garden so we have a direct view of the two storey building.”

Karen Staddon says she and her husband Mark would like the council to plant mature trees to limit the effect on residents.

A spokesman from Barking and Dagenham Council was unavailable for comment.