An exclusive wedding venue that specialised in hosting extravagant Bollywood celebrations has been forced to cancel all future ceremonies after a military veteran suffering from PTSD complained that the noise was triggering his condition.
Historic Mansion Faces Noise Crackdown
The Grade II listed Bovingdon Hall in Hertfordshire, which had become a sought-after location for lavish Asian weddings, can no longer host ceremonies featuring its signature cannon fire, fireworks, or amplified music following a council ruling.
Local authorities intervened after the veteran neighbour reported being severely affected by the loud celebrations, describing how the sudden explosions and booming music exacerbated his post-traumatic stress disorder.
Neighbour's Plea Leads to Council Action
The resident, who served in the military, detailed how the wedding festivities created an environment that reminded him of combat situations. "The unexpected cannon blasts and fireworks were particularly distressing," explained a council spokesperson. "We had to balance the venue's commercial interests with the wellbeing of local residents."
Dacorum Borough Council conducted an investigation and determined that the noise levels from the wedding celebrations were unacceptable for the residential area.
What the Ban Means for the Venue
The ruling specifically prohibits:
- All amplified music and entertainment
- Firework displays of any kind
- Cannon fire or similar explosive effects
- Large wedding ceremonies with external entertainment
Venue owners expressed disappointment at the decision but acknowledged the need to consider local residents. The ban effectively ends the mansion's run as a premium destination for Bollywood-style weddings, which often feature elaborate ceremonies with significant sound and visual effects.
Local residents have expressed mixed reactions, with some supporting the veteran's right to peace and others concerned about the impact on local business. The case highlights the growing tension between commercial wedding venues and residential communities across the UK.
