Ridley Scott's stately licence battle

Film director Sir Ridley Scott has become the latest high-profile objector to a licensing plan on his doorstep.

He is fighting an application for a Hampstead stately home to open all week hosting concerts and private functions.

Other residents near the National Trust's Fenton House agree the application to sell alcohol until midnight will cause noise and disruption.

Some protesters have attacked the plans to "commercialise" the restored 17th-century house and fear it may become a "wine bar".

Sir Ridley, 67, whose films include Blade Runner, Gladiator and Thelma And Louise, said: "This will lead to people leaving the premises causing considerable disturbances into the early hours in a residential area where most people will be trying to sleep." He said Fenton House had a reputation for holding events "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," he added.

He wants the licence to be refused for Sundays - and performances and the serving of alcohol to finish at 10pm on other days.

Fenton House is open by day for viewing of the gardens and its collections of early keyboard instruments, porcelain, paintings and needlework. There are occasional daytime concerts. The licensing application is for the trust to hold "low-key" events and concerts with alcohol in the evening.

Protester Philippa Jackson said: "I can only assume National Trust Enterprises are trying to recoup their renovation costs."

David Hellings, who lives in nearby Holly Mount, said: "It may be that the National Trust has in mind the creationof something akin to a wine bar, where the main purpose of customers would be to drink."