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China resubmits application to build contested big embassy in London, saying decision to reject a first proposals in 2022 on security grounds and the impact on residents was “without merit” (www.euractiv.com)

submitted 5 months ago by tardigrada@beehaw.org to c/unitedkingdom

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Although the planning application will initially be handled by Tower Hamlets council, the national government could get involved if the proposal is rejected again and China appeals.

China has accused Britain of exaggerating allegations about Chinese spies and cyberattacks.

The embassy would be China’s biggest diplomatic legation in Europe and almost twice the size of its one in Washington.

This led some British politicians and security officials to warn that a bigger embassy and more Chinese diplomats could make it easier to increase the number of spies in the country.

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[–] tal@lemmy.today 1 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

The initial rejection, a year ago:

https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/aug/11/chinas-new-london-embassy-on-hold-pending-westminster-intervention

China has temporarily shelved plans to build a new embassy in London, angrily accusing the British government of not doing enough to force through planning permission for the project.

China had been given until Thursday to file an appeal to Tower Hamlets council in east London after the proposals for the embassy were rejected.

Beijing bought the Royal Mint Court site for its new embassy in 2018 for £255m, with the plan to move from its long-term but relatively cramped site in Portland Place, near Regent’s Park.

Chinese officials appear to have decided that rather than appeal through the local Tower Hamlets planning process, where they have relatively little chance of success, they want central government to intervene and give assurances that it will back a resubmitted application.

https://www.google.com/maps/search/Royal+mint,+london/@51.5097637,-0.0706888,15z

Hmm.

It looks like the location would be noisy, as it's adjacent to the end of the line running to Fenchurch Station to the north and a major road interchange.

I wonder what security issues might be present? There's a lot of movement through there. I guess that you could monitor radio emissions, see what Bluetooth and cell devices are passing the location.