UK Government Approves Plans for Major Chinese Embassy in London

Embassy decisions should be 'nation-neutral', says inspector The planning inspector's report, released today, twice refers to decisions on embassies being "nation-neutral". "It is not possible to discriminate against a use on the basis of the anticipated user," the report says on page 31. , external "Otherwise that could give rise to an untenable situation of the embassy of one nation being permitted but another nations embassy being refused." Later, the report says: "In this regard, any ethical or similar objection to the provision of an embassy for a specific country cannot be a material planning consideration. "It would not be lawful to refuse permission simply because it would be for a Chinese Embassy (my emphasis). "The same would hold for any other specific country seeking an embassy use through the planning system." Decision is final unless challenged in court - minister We now have a written statement from Steve Reed, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. "This statement follows the decision I made today to grant planning permission and listed building consent for a new Embassy in London," it begins, before setting out details of the decision. "All material considerations were taken into account when making this decision," it concludes. "The decision is now final unless it is successfully challenged in court." Critics had voiced opposition over security concerns China bought the site of the proposed new embassy, at Royal Mint Court, near the Tower of London, for £255m in 2018. At 20,000 square metres, the complex would be the biggest embassy in Europe if built. The decision on whether to approve the new embassy was under close scrutiny because of concerns about the security implications of the plan, including the location, size and design of the building. The site is close to fibre optic cables carrying communications to and from financial institutions in the City of London. Concerns have been raised that Chinese operatives could use the site to tap into the cables and eavesdrop. Further questions were raised last year about the nature of the threat posed by Beijing, following the collapse of the case against two men accused of spying for China. 'I conclude... planning permission should be granted' The planning decision, external, signed by inspector Claire Searson, in the 240-page document says: "To conclude, I am of the clear view that the proposal complies with the development plan when taken as a whole. There are no other material considerations which would warrant a conclusion other than that planning permission and listed building consent should be granted. "For the reasons set out above, I conclude that the applications for planning permission and listed building consent should be granted, subject to the attached conditions in Annex D and the relevant obligations under the s106 planning obligation." We're going through the decision now and will bring you more shortly.