Blow for Seymour party opponents

Neighbours oppose the licence

Neighbours angry at parties and functions held at ex-Bond girl Jane Seymour's country house have been dealt a blow in their court fight.

Residents complained that gatherings at St Catherine's Court, near Bath, have caused noise and traffic problems.

Some have taken legal action to try to get its 24-hour alcohol and entertainment licence amended.

But Bath magistrates said on Wednesday that traffic could not be considered a nuisance under the Licensing Act 2003.

Retired Major, Mark Strutt, who represented the parishioners, admitted this had "rather shot their argument in the foot".

But he said residents would still argue restrictions could be imposed to limit noise levels.

They have the blessing of a beautiful home in a wonderful setting and are able to exploit that without anyone's permission Graham Gover

Mr Strutt told the hearing how the parishioners felt their concerns had been ignored by Ms Seymour.

"We had an undertaking by the owners to discuss with the parish council our concerns and they decided not to honour that undertaking.

"I believe if we had done so, it would not have gone as far as it has done."

He insisted the rural setting was an unsuitable location to host parties and called for restrictions to be imposed on the licence, including a limit of 12 events a year, a ban on fireworks and notification when events were due to take place.

Graham Gover, representing St Catherine's Court, said the restrictions were not covered by the Licensing Act and were "illegal and unpractical".

He said the Seymours used the house as a private residence for some of the year, and were entitled to hold their own parties there.

"They have the blessing of a beautiful home in a wonderful setting and are able to exploit that without anyone's permission."

Alcohol licence

He also stressed the couple could rent out the house as a private dwelling - and those parties could enjoy the same freedoms, without any need for a licence.

The licence was only needed when alcohol was sold on the premises and even during wedding receptions the drinks were often free at the bar, Mr Gover added.

Mr Gover also rejected the idea the dispute could have been resolved without going to court and insisted they had always been willing to meet the parishioners.

The case was adjourned to allow magistrates to visit the site and will resume on Thursday.