Socialite facing court over London party venue noise pollution

August 20, 2009

Entrepreneur and socialite, Edward Davenport, who bought a grand Edwardian London townhouse and converted it into one big party venue, is facing court accused of making too much noise.

Davenport, who was a pioneer of the eighties party scene by launching the Gatecrasher black tie balls, is being accused of breaking the terms of a noise abatement order issued to him following complaints from his neighbours.

Westminster City Council served Davenport with the abatement order last year after he turned what was formerly the High Commission of Sierra Leone, 33 Portland Place, London, into what he called “one of the most fashionable and exclusive party venues in London”.

Celebrities including Simon Cowell, Ozzy Osborne, Kate Moss and Jerry Hall have all reportedly partied at Davenport’s house, which holds 24 bedrooms, a ballroom and eight reception rooms.

The charge of breaching his warning over making noise is to be heard at trial in Westminster Magistrates Court on 2 November.

Davenport, who shares his time between his home in London and other homes in Monaco, is thought to be worth around £100 to £200 million.