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Friday 14th October, 2005

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By RICHARD OSLEY

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Film director fears concerts will shatter his big sleep

Sir Ridley Scott

FILM director Sir Ridley Scott has hit out at plans to stage classical music concerts and private functions at a stately home in Hampstead on Sundays and later in the evening during the week.
The movie-maker is among residents on a collision course with the National Trust, which owns picturesque Fenton House in Windmill Hill.
Some objectors have claimed the 17th-century estate is being unfairly “commercialised”.
Sir Ridley, whose box office blockbusters include Blade Runner, Gladiator and Thelma and Louise, has warned that longer licensed hours during the week and Sunday events at Fenton House will cause disruption and sleepless nights for neighbours.
The National Trust’s licensing application is due to be considered at a Town Hall hearing tomorrow (Friday).
Sir Ridley, who lives in nearby Hampstead Grove, said: “This will lead to people leaving the premises afterwards, causing considerable disturbance into the early hours of the morning in a residential area where most people will be trying to sleep.”
He added: “Fenton House has a special reputation of being a place where events are carried out with great dignity and consideration to others. Many residents have young children who could be unduly harmed or influenced by noisy events and the consumption of alcohol.”
Another objector, Philippa Jackson, has told the Town Hall: “I can only assume National Trust Enterprises are keen to recoup their renovation costs (of the building) with future plans for hiring of the venue to outside parties – at considerable cost to the community.”
Representatives from the business arm of the National Trust are expected to argue their case for the new licence at tomorrow’s meeting.
The Trust’s licensing statement said: “Because of the conservation issues, the type of events at this property are strictly controlled, attracting a select attendance. The majority of visitors to the property are members of the National Trust or their guests.”
It added: “As far as we are aware, there has never been any issues of crime or disorder due to licensable events, nor can we see any arising.”

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