The BBC’s Maida Vale Studio. [Matt Brown_(Cc By 2.0)]

• I WAS delighted by the recent news that the BBC’s appeal against Historic England’s Grade-II listing of the legendary Maida Vale Studios has been rejected by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).

It seems that in this case the BBC would have been only too happy to sell off part of its heritage to the highest bidder – demolished to make way for luxury apartments, it is rumoured, with no trace of Bing, Bowie or The Beatles.

In the year of the BBC’s centenary, I would have thought that it would be keen to preserve one of the original 1930s studios. News came through recently that the BBC’s studio tours would not be reopening post-pandemic.

The corporation deems the Maida Vale complex to be no longer fit for use in the 21st century, and admittedly it is rather chilly queuing up outside the building to see a live performance in the winter months. Conversely, there is a cafe for audience members at Broadcasting House, and perhaps the new BBC music venue in Stratford will be blessed with better visitor facilities.

So now that the Maida Vale Studios are protected for future generations, why not turn the building into something which celebrates its unique heritage, perhaps by making it a museum?

Bravo to the DCMS – at times like this, the BBC needs saving from itself. Quick, readers – enjoy the building’s music while you can, before the BBC departs.

THEO MORGAN, W9