'Ring of steel' to guard BBC's HQ against car bombers

It has applied for permission to install more than 200 fixed bollards around the building as well as eight hydraulic retractable bollards and seven large concrete planters.

The move comes amid concerns that Broadcasting House could become a target for terrorists.

Defensive measures: The bollards would make the Broadcasting House site, undergoing an £800million redevelopment, one of the most heavily protected buildings in central London
A similar technique has also been used at the nearby American Embassy, in Grosvenor Square, to prevent car bombers-from getting close.

A BBC spokeswoman said today: 'This has always been part of the plan for the redevelopment. I cannot say more than that - we never discuss security matters.'
But a source at the Corporation added: 'There are concerns that the BBC, because of its international reputation, could be seen as a high-profile target for terrorists.'
Westminster council is due to approve the plans - which will turn Broadcasting House into one of the most heavily protected buildings in London's West End - at a meeting of its planning applications sub-committee tomorrow.

English Heritage objects to the scheme because it feels the concrete planters and stainless steel bollards will be unsightly around the Grade II-listed building. But Westminster planners say the security measures are justified.

A report for the council says: 'The BBC's Broadcasting House is currently being extended with a major new building to the north of old Broadcasting house.
'When completed it will house all of the BBC's new functions. The proposal is to provide bollards and planters around the building.

'The proposed installation of bollards and planters will have a significant visual impact but it is considered that this is acceptable in order to meet the security brief.'
The bollards will encircle the site, running along All Soul's Place, Portland Place, Duchess Street and Hallam Street.

The scheme has emerged as the BBC continues with an £800million revamp of the Broadcasting House site, complete with a new nine-storey glass and stone extension.
The project, which is already two years behind schedule and £20 million over budget, will eventually make room for 4,500 staff, 36 radio studios, six TV studios, two control rooms and 60 editing suites.

It will also include the world's largest newsroom, a 43,000 square foot open-plan office the size of half a football pitch.
The BBC was previously a target for terrorists in March 2001 when the Real IRA planted a bomb in a cab outside BBC Television Centre in Shepherd's Bush. One man suffered minor injuries in the blast.