- The BBC has applied for an extension to continue using the plaza for live performances.
Neighbors outraged by loud live shows at the BBC’s London headquarters, New Broadcasting House, have lodged a complaint, claiming they are having trouble sleeping because of the noise.
The clash between residents and the BBC has seen the broadcaster apply for an extension to use the cavernous glass-walled space outside its headquarters on Great Portland Street in central London for live performances until 2027. It happened later.
Neighbors say the “nuisance” noise is coming from the square, which is often used by the BBC for radio and television, but is most noticeably related to the One Show’s dazzling live performances.
Countless musicians have graced the square, including James Blunt, Ellie Goulding and Kylie Minogue.
But a group of furious leaseholders of the Great Portland Street apartment block – more than 50 of whom live within 100 yards of the square – have had enough and have written to Westminster City Council.
In the letter, residents object to local authorities granting the BBC extended use of the square for live performances.
The residents, made up of students, young families and retirees, claimed the excessive noise was a “nuisance” and called for “certain limits on frequency and duration”.
They also claimed that communication with the broadcaster had “diminished” over the past three years as “significant changes” at the BBC changed people in charge of issues and forced neighbors to respond inconsistently.
They wrote: “We call for these events to be reviewed annually until BBC staffing is stabilized, communications are improved and the BBC shows it has regard to the inconvenience to local residents.”
One local resident who has lived in the apartment complex for 22 years said: It would be “hugely unfair” to local residents that the BBC was given “relatively unfettered powers” for another three years.
Another resident added: “The One Show is very popular and there are many celebrity guests who give great performances, but sometimes the loud noises can be a nuisance.”
In 2022, the BBC applied for a three-year extension, but the application was later withdrawn following opposition from nearby residents.
Westminster City Council is currently considering a new planning application submitted by the BBC last year for a three-year extension, which has sparked opposition from local residents.
According to the Telegraph, the BBC claims residents were informed about the live performance in advance and that it has “received no complaints”.
The Middleton Place Residents Association (MPRA), which represents residents in the Middleton Place neighborhood and parts of Langham Street, Riding House Street and Great Titchfield Street, said: “We cannot grant the BBC a three-year extension. I urge you to do so,” he wrote.
“The BBC should continue to be granted a one-year extension, which has proven appropriate in the past, to ensure that attention is paid to local issues that BBC events may cause. It will be.”
MailOnline has contacted the BBC for comment.