Daily Mail: BBC in battle with furious neighbours over noisy live shows in London

Story from Daily Mail:

Furious neighbours have lodged complaints over noisy live shows at the BBC's London headquarters, New Broadcasting House, claiming that the racket is stopping them from sleeping.

The clash between the residents and BBC has come after the broadcaster applied for an extension to use the space outside its cavernous glass headquarters on Great Portland Street, central London, for live performances until 2027.

The neighbours say that the 'annoying' din is coming from the piazza, which is often used by the BBC for radio and TV, but is most notably associated with the dazzling live performances for the One Show.

Countless musicians have graced the piazza, including James Blunt, Ellie Goulding and Kylie Minogue.

But a group of livid leaseholders in a block of apartments on Great Portland Street - where more than 50 people live within 100 yards of the piazza - have had enough, and submitted a letter to Westminster Council.

In the letter, the residents object to the local authority granting the BBC an extension for the piazza's use for live performances.

The residents, who are made up of students, young families and retirees, claim that the excessive noise 'is disturbing' and demanded 'some limit on frequency and times'.

They also claimed that communication with the broadcaster had 'dwindled' over the past three years due to 'significant changes' in the BBC which led to the issue changing hands, and neighbours being left with inconsistent responses.

They wrote: 'We ask for these events to be reviewed yearly until such times as BBC personnel stabilises, communications improve, and the BBC demonstrate they do take into consideration disturbance to local residents.'

One local resident, who has lived in the block of flats for 22 years, said that it would be 'very unfair' to local residents of the BBC was given 'a relatively free hand' for another three years.

Another resident added: 'The One Show is hugely popular and many of their celebrity guests put on good performances, but sometimes you can hear loud sounds and it is annoying.'

In 2022, the BBC applied for a three-year extension which was blasted by neighbours, and the application was later withdrawn.

Westminster Council is now considering a new planning application submitted by the BBC last year for a three-year extension, which has sparked objections from local residents.

The BBC claims that residents are informed of any live performances in advance, and that 'no complaints had been received', according to The Telegraph.

The Middleton Place Residents Association (MPRA), which represents residents in nearby Middleton Place and parts of Langham Street, Riding House Street and Great Titchfield Street, wrote: 'We urge that the BBC should not be granted a three-year extension.

'The BBC should continue to be granted a one year extension which has proved adequate in the past and will ensure the BBC's attention to any local problems which their events may cause.'

The MailOnline has approached the BBC for comment.