The BBC has become embroiled in a row with its neighbours over live performances outside of its London headquarters.
In recent years the likes of Ellie Goulding, James Blunt and Rick Astley have all performed outside of Broadcasting House in Portland Place for the One Show and other BBC events, but some neighbours say they are becoming tired of the noise emanating from the piazza.
Numerous neighbours have issued objections to the corporation’s application to host live music in its grounds until 2027, with neighbours accusing the BBC of not caring about those living nearby.
In documents seen by the Telegraph, locals say noise from the area from outdoor filming, particularly the One Show, is “unfair to residents”.
A group of leaseholders from a Great Portland Street block of apartments, just 100 yards away from the BBC’s London headquarters, has lodged objections to the plans to extend the BBC’s licence for outdoor performances for another three years.
One objection read: “As a resident, the noise from the plaza events is disturbing and some limit on frequency and times is desirable to stop excessive noise when we are trying to sleep.”
A formal letter submitted to the council from representatives of Portland Apartments Ltd said it had always enjoyed peaceful neighbours until “changes” were made at the national broadcaster.
It read: “We live in a small residential enclave surrounded by a number of institutions and businesses. We have therefore always enjoyed quiet neighbours.
“There have been significant changes within the BBC and communication has dwindled over the past three years. 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.”
An application for the BBC to extend its licence in 2022 for another three years was withdrawn following similar objections and Westminster council is now considering the latest application.
One of the performances thought to have provoked the anger of neighbours was by singer James Blunt, who performed his latest single, ‘The Girl That Never Was’, in the piazza on October 27 last year.
But the BBC says residents had been informed of events in advance of them taking place and stressed that “no complaints had been received”.
One neighbour who has lived in the area for 22 years told the Telegraph: “The communication with the BBC has deteriorated over the years, especially recently, with many personnel changes.
“Given the poor performance by the BBC in considering the needs of others locally over the last few years, it would be very unfair to local residents to allow the BBC a relatively free hand for another three years.
“I’m sure you could say ‘well you could always report abuses’, but poor performance should not allow free licence for an extended period; the situation should be watched more closely and if anything, constraints should be applied.
“I object strongly to a three-year extension. Even a one-year extension should have tight conditions attached to protect the residents who live in the area.”
The broadcaster does not require council permission to host interviews and film in the piazza but does require permission if it is to host public events.
The BBC told the Telegraph it will not be commenting on objections to its planning applications. Express.co.uk has contacted the BBC for comment.
