Bridgerton is ruining our village: Filming for hit Netflix show sparks calls to police over 'artificial smoke' from Grade I-listed mansion and complaints over 'nuisance' camera crews

The filming of the new series of Bridgerton at a posh country pile has upset villagers, who have lodged furious complaints after seeing a 'substantial volume of artificial smoke' emerging from the Grade I-listed property. 

The Duke of Hastings' scenes are carried out at North Mymms Park in Hertfordshire, an Elizabethan mansion famous for being a location on other hit TV shows such as The Crown, Ludwig, Wonka and the new HBO series War, starring Dominic West and Sienna Miller. 

The estate is seeking retrospective planning permission for the continuation of commercial filming, which also includes adverts for luxury brands such as Tiffany & Co and Tommy Hilfiger. 

But locals have complained that filming at the Grade I-listed property has caused chaos in the North Mymms parish with less than 9,000 residents – and the police have even been called. 

Among the objections are the nuisance of large film vehicles early in the morning and late at night, plus strong light pollution and a 'foul theatrical smell'.

One neighbour claimed in a six-page letter of objection that a shoot produced a 'substantial volume of artificial smoke' with a 'gas-like odour'. 

North Mymms Park in Hertfordshire provides the backdrop for the Duke of Hastings' scenes in Bridgerton

A scene in Bridgerton filmed inside the library at North Mymms Park

A scene filmed inside North Mymm's Marble Hall 

They said that 'vehicles subsequently revved their engines to such an extent that our family and domestic animals were greatly disturbed', and that due to 'the exceptionally dry conditions and the very hot exhaust systems associated with such vehicles, this also appeared to present an unnecessary and potentially serious fire risk.' 

The incident was reported to the police, who contacted the owner. 

The complaint further added: 'There has also been repeated late night and early morning activity, with people gathering, talking, shouting and socialising, together with associated vehicle movements at unsociable hours.' 

But planning agents for the owners, Aced Properties Ltd, hit back at residents and the parish council, which had strongly backed their concerns. 

The agents stated that without filming these globally-renowned TV shows, the mansion would be unsustainable – and that it is a vital cog in the local economy. 

They stated in a document: 'The Borough Council's Economic Development department notes that the filming use brings a "minor economic benefit to the Borough" but it must be pointed out that the filming activity provides an important part of the income of the enterprise as a whole and that without this income the Grade I-listed building and its grounds could not be maintained.'

BBC's Ludwig, starring David Mitchell, also features the historic house at North Mymms Park 

Locals have complained that filming at the Grade I-listed property has caused chaos in the North Mymms parish with less than 9,000 residents

They added: 'It should be emphasised that a viable use is essential for the future of North Mymms Park. 

'The previous corporate use, prior to 2018, was clearly unsustainable and the building cannot rely on subsidy for its maintenance, whether by corporate owners or public money.'

The document also dismissed the issue of smoke from the set, saying it was 'not recognised' as coming from their site. 

The companies associated with North Mymms Park are owned by businessman Chamkar Chima, with the house being used to host luxury events and weddings.  

The property already has planning permission for use as a wedding venue, but this latest application to Welwyn Hatfield Borough Council concentrates on 'filming activity'. 

One complaint by North Mymms Green Belt Society had raised the issue of filming being an 'inappropriate development' on Green Belt land, but agents said that this objection is 'wholly misconceived' as filming does not affect the 'openness' of the Green Belt. 

The North Mymms Park website proudly advertises its filming successes for the likes of Netflix, Sky, HBO, Disney+, Warner Bros and Apple TV. 

It boasts of room for 200 cars, 'large areas of hard standing for unit bases', a fibre optic line and 'ample spaces for exterior set building'. 

It continues: 'From the grandeur of our historic Mansion House to the expansive Hertfordshire countryside beyond, North Mymms Park offers an exclusive setting for filming, photography and creative productions. 

'Set within 400 acres of private parkland, our estate combines historic architecture, beautiful gardens and versatile outdoor spaces, providing an exceptional backdrop for everything from editorial and fashion shoots to commercials, brand campaigns, product launches and film productions.'