Noise battle won by ex-Bond girl

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Neighbours of actress Jane Seymour have lost their court battle against what they say are noisy parties at the ex-Bond girl's Somerset home.

Residents living near St Catherine's Court complained that the house was being rented out for functions, leading to increased noise and traffic.

They wanted Bath magistrates to amend the venue's 24-hour alcohol and entertainment licence awarded in May.

But magistrates ruled Ms Seymour had done nothing wrong.

Chairman of the bench Richard Curry said: "We felt there was little if any evidence of public nuisance, though noise at the premises was put forward."

He also dismissed demands for curfews and limits on the number and size of parties staying at the house as "impractical and unjustifiable".

Magistrates did order that no alcohol should be consumed outside after midnight, and that the estate manager must meet the parish council once a month.

'Real problems'

Hein van Vorstenbosch, St Catherine's estate manager, said: "All we wanted to do was serve a glass of Champagne with breakfast and a drink in the evening.

"If you want a pianist, that's part of the licence.

"I don't have any plans to be there 24 hours. My guests don't require that. It's not going to happen."

Graham Gover, for St Catherine's Court, also appealed for £300 costs from each of the 15 parishioners - claiming their case was doomed to failure.

The magistrates ruled they had acted "honestly and in good faith" and said they were surprised at the application - considering their wishes to build bridges with their neighbours.

Parishioner Major Tony Crombie said of the application for costs: "It's absolutely outrageous. These people are doing everything they can to protect their quiet, peaceful life."

Ian Plaister, chairman of the parish council, added: "This matter has been brought to court as a result of the strength of feeling of a small community.

"The result today represents one stage in our battle to bring a common sense of perspective to the real and growing problems facing us."