Neighbours in one of London’s most exclusive squares are fighting to stop A-list parties in its gardens, saying the West End’s open spaces are being used as a “cash cow”.
Berkeley Square in Mayfair, which hosts a string of glitzy events every year, is at the centre of a licensing dispute between Westminster city council and its wealthy residents.
The southern half of the 18th-century residential square has held an events licence since 2006.
Parties such as the Glamour Awards are held in a 24,000sq ft temporary structure in the public gardens and have been attended by celebrities including Cara Delevingne, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Rita Ora and Victoria Beckham.
But the council hopes to switch the licence to the square’s northern half, which has many more residents — fuelling a wave of objections.
Neighbours say the parties have led to anti-social behaviour including drunkenness and theft.
Councillor Glenys Roberts, who objects to the application, said: “To the council this is academic but not for the residents, who simply don’t want any more events. If we continue dedicating every centimetre of London to making money then there will be no squares left to enjoy.
“These residents have watched the West End’s open spaces engulfed with commercial activity contrary to the London Squares Act but now they are fighting back. We have to allow London to breathe and not regard it solely as a cash cow.”
Residents say the square, particularly the lawn in the centre, is damaged after events, while the increased traffic and limousines bring roads to a standstill.
The square, where two bedroom flats fetch £3 million and where Winston Churchill once lived, also hosts annual art and antiques fairs. It was till recently home to the End of Summer Ball.
Mayfair Residents Group chairman Ron Whelan said: “Berkeley Square has always been a place for quiet re- laxation for residents and visitors.
“Westminster council is simply turning its back on local concerns in the pursuit of short-term economic gain. Mayfair as an area will be poorer if this application is granted.”
Lois Peltz, chair of the Residents’ Society of Mayfair and St James, said: “Apart from the terrible nuisance these events cause because so many people come here, there is a great deal of anti-social behaviour such as drinking, pickpocketing and the use of nearby doorways as lavatories.”
A licensing sub-committee will consider the application for the northern section tomorrow and if it is granted music, dance and film events will be allowed from Monday to Saturday, midday to midnight.
