Residents Complain About 'Artificial Smoke' and Noise From Bridgerton Filming

Residents near North Mymms Park in Hertfordshire have voiced strong objections to ongoing filming for the Netflix series Bridgerton and other productions. Complaints have ranged from "substantial volumes of artificial smoke" with a "gas-like odor" to noise disturbances from vehicles and late-night activity.

The Grade I-listed Elizabethan mansion, North Mymms Park, has served as a filming location for various productions, including "The Crown," "Wonka," and the HBO series "War." The current application seeks retrospective planning permission for continued commercial filming, which also includes advertisements for luxury brands.

Local authorities have received numerous complaints detailing the "nuisance" caused by film crews. One neighbor described in a six-page objection letter how a shoot produced a "substantial volume of artificial smoke" that had a "gas-like odour." The letter also stated that "vehicles subsequently revved their engines to such an extent that our family and domestic animals were greatly disturbed," raising concerns about fire risk due to dry conditions and hot exhaust systems.

Complaints have also cited repeated late-night and early-morning activity, with associated vehicle movements and socialising among crew members occurring at unsociable hours. The issue has escalated to the point where police have been involved, contacting the estate's owner.

However, planning agents for the property's owners, Aced Properties Ltd, contend that filming is essential for the financial viability of North Mymms Park. They argue that without the income generated from productions like Bridgerton, the historic building and its grounds would be unsustainable to maintain. The agents stated that the previous corporate use of the property before 2018 was not sustainable and that the building cannot rely on subsidies.

The agents also addressed the smoke complaints, stating that any smoke was "not recognised" as originating from their site. They further dismissed objections from the North Mymms Green Belt Society regarding filming being an "inappropriate development" on Green Belt land, asserting that such filming does not impact the "openness" of the Green Belt.

North Mymms Park, owned by businessman Chamkar Chima, is also used for luxury events and weddings and already has planning permission for such uses. The estate actively advertises its suitability for filming, noting its capacity for numerous vehicles, hard standing areas for unit bases, and extensive grounds suitable for set building and production.