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‘Ring of steel’ to protect BBC from terror attacks
THE BBC has been given the go-ahead to erect a “ring of steel” around its central London headquarters amid fears it could become a terrorist target.
Planning chiefs at Westminster Council paved the way for 200 fixed bollards as well as eight retractable bollards and seven large concrete planters to be installed outside the prestigious building in Portland Place.
The bollards will circle the perimeter of the site, much like the security measures at the nearby American Embassy in Grosvenor Square.
A BBC spokeswoman said: “This has always been part of the plan for the redevelopment.”
English Heritage objected to the scheme because it claims the the bollards will be an eyesore around the Grade II-listed building. But the council’s planning department says the security measures are justified.
Councillor Robert Davis, deputy leader of the council said: “While I am reluctant to see a proliferation of security bollards around buildings in Westminster, the terrorist threat is a real one and we need to ensure that the headquarters of the BBC, one of the world’s major broadcasters is adequately protected.” |
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