A “grating” and high-pitched whistling noise which appears to be coming from the wind hitting a new luxury tower block is keeping those living nearby up at night.

Residents say the piercing sound, caught on video and shared on social media, is coming from the Shoreline Crescent development on Folkestone seafront.

The project is in the final stages of construction, with people expected to move in in the coming months.

But neighbours have taken to Facebook to express their dismay over the “nightmare”, with the howling sound heard in the surrounding area amid current high winds.

It is not currently known what is exactly causing the noise, with some suggesting it could be coming from the balconies on the flats – some of which are priced at more than £1 million.

One resident of neighbouring Marine Crescent told KentOnline: “Some of us are having a sleepless night as the sound is emitted constantly during these high winds.

“It’s a debilitating frequency.”

Katrina Harris, 72, also lives nearby, and said the sound can be heard “50-60ft away”.

She added: “The sound is quite eerie, and I’m sure it will keep people awake at night.

“The problem is here there is always wind.

“I like them [the flats]; I like the finish of them. However I think it is the wrong place for them.”

Judi Varona, also of Marine Crescent, told KentOnline: “I am concerned about the noise.

“Yesterday the wind was horrendous. It’s just so annoying!

“My first thought is that the new buildings are making some kind of wind tunnel. I had not heard this noise before.

“I am right on the end near the shoreline flats. I hope these are just teething troubles; I am trying to stay positive.”

Ms Varona, who has lived in Marine Crescent since 2020, says yesterday was the first time she had ever heard the whistling noise.

Commenting on Facebook under a clip of the noise, Angela Davis said: “Can you imagine how bad that would be for people who wear hearing aids?

“Oh my God, I wouldn’t want to live in one or anywhere near them. That high-pitched whistle would definitely send me over the edge.”

Linda Hicks said: “It's like a high-pitched hum. I think it must be the wind blowing through the balcony rails. I've noticed it too.”

Penny Davison added: “It was very loud last night when I was on The Leas with my dog at 11.30pm. I could never sleep with that noise, it's awful.”

Caroline Hallett said: “Wow imagine living in your fancy £2m flat and listening to that!

“It's like tinnitus and people who sadly have tinnitus say it affects their mental health and the constant noise leaves them feeling depressed and anxious!”

Linda Houghton simply described the noise as “unbelievable” while Yvonne Carton called it “grating”.

Marcia Marsh said the “high pitch” sound is similar to “circling the rim of a wine glass”.

Jess Garrett said: “Jeez the poor people already living down there. This is going to be a nightmare.”

The luxury apartments have been built by the Folkestone Seafront and Harbour Development Company, led by former Saga boss Sir Roger De Haan.

They are the first phase of an overall masterplan for the town’s coastline, which will eventually see 1,000 homes line the entire beach from the Leas Lift to the harbour arm.

The plan for the homes to be created on the harbour arm – the eastern side of the beach – have been criticised by locals, who compared the look of them to something out of The Flintstones.

Shoreline is made up of townhouses and flats. The houses have been valued at £1.8 million while the price-tag of the top penthouse could rise to as much as £3 million.

Speaking to KentOnline in the summer, Sir Roger insisted he is not trying to "gentrify" Folkestone - but admitted his new luxury seafront flats are likely being eyed up by wealthy Londoners.

The 74-year-old, who is one of the richest people in the UK, said: “I think the people who come to live here will help the economy.

“I think it will help with shopping centres. It will help the restaurants, the bars and so on - local businesses.

“It will help Folkestone and hopefully improve the lives and prospects of people living in the town.

“I suppose it’s a sort of gentrification in the sense that many of the homes on the seafront are going to be fairly pricey.

“But I think the whole community will benefit from this investment.”

A spokesman on behalf of Shoreline Crescent said: “Any noise generated during strong winds is only temporary during the construction process.

“The issue will be resolved when permanent handrails are installed on the balconies of certain apartments in the coming weeks.”