Permanent Restrictions Imposed on Public Access at BBC’s London Headquarters

Access for the public to specific areas of the BBC’s London headquarters, known as New Broadcasting House, is set to be permanently curtailed following a council session where the organization cited “increased threats.” A condition mandating open access for the public to particular sections of the building was established in 2001 when planning permission for the site’s redevelopment was granted. Nevertheless, Westminster City Council’s planning committee unanimously decided to discontinue this arrangement, having considered the BBC’s apprehensions regarding terrorism and disruptive demonstrations, as reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service. Committee members were informed that Broadcasting House had experienced 158 incidents during the current year, including instances of BBC personnel being harassed on public streets. The BBC’s submission contended that two reception zones, specifically the Radio Theatre and the Media Cafe, ought to remain permanently inaccessible to members of the public who have not undergone security screening upon entry to the premises, located at Portland Place in central London. Public access had already been limited since 2017 due to terrorist activities, according to the application, which additionally cited Covid as a contributing element. Lesley Smith, the BBC’s in-house counsel, stated: “We do try to be as open and as accessible as possible but there is also a responsibility to safeguard the continuity and availability of the services and the safety of staff and others.” She further commented that the BBC considered its appeal to be “proportionate to the increased threats, and we’d be failing in our wider duties if we did not make the application”.” The corporation also affirmed its ongoing commitment to facilitating public entry to New Broadcasting House, noting that it permits visits by schools, family members of BBC employees, community organizations, and audience participants. Nevertheless, a security evaluation revealed that Broadcasting House has been the target of 119 protests since 2019, and that re-establishing access to the reception areas would render the premises vulnerable to unobserved entry by demonstrators. The assessment additionally referenced instances of criminal damage, such as harm to a statue situated above the entrance to Old Broadcasting House, and an occurrence where red paint was hurled onto the doors at the entrance of New Broadcasting House. On Tuesday, Paul Fisher, the committee chair, stated that withholding permission would be irresponsible, further remarking: “It’s saying not just that terrorism is a huge problem and a risk that we face in London, but a problem that this organisation is exposed to in particular, day in, day out, and it’s only increased, unfortunately, over the course of the past 12 months.”” Caroline Sargent, the deputy opposition leader, commented that the committee was tasked with striking a balance between enabling public entry and ensuring the safety of public broadcasters, employees, and guests. For the best of BBC Radio London, tune into Sounds, and follow BBC London on Facebook, X, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to hello.bbclondon@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available for review.