High Court upholds decision to allow Chinese mega embassy
The UK High Court has dismissed a legal challenge from local residents attempting to block the construction of a new Chinese embassy in London. Judges ruled that the government followed proper planning procedures, despite resident concerns regarding espionage and safety.
Why it matters
Highlights the intersection of diplomatic relations, national security, and local urban planning regulations.
Image source, PA Media Image caption, China has been given permission to build a vast new embassy in the heart of London
A High Court challenge against the construction of a Chinese mega embassy in London has failed.
The decision to uphold planning permission for the site on the old Royal Mint, near the Tower of London, has dismayed campaigners from the Royal Mint Court Residents' Association (RMCRA), which represents families and businesses in about 100 properties.
The RMCRA fear the site poses an espionage threat and will be used to enforce "draconian" Chinese laws in the UK and to target dissidents.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets defended the claim, saying they "conscientiously and carefully had regard" to the residents' concerns.
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