A High Court challenge against the construction of a Chinese mega embassy in London has failed. The court upheld the planning permission for the site on the old Royal Mint, near the Tower of London.
The Royal Mint Court Residents' Association (RMCRA), representing around 100 properties, expressed dismay at the decision. The association had raised concerns that the site could pose an espionage threat, be used to enforce Chinese laws in the UK, and target dissidents. They also feared a fire risk due to potential disregard for safety obligations, which they believed would be unenforceable due to diplomatic immunity.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets defended the claim, stating they had "conscientiously and carefully had regard" to the residents' concerns. Mrs Justice Lieven, sitting with Lord Justice Dingemans, dismissed RMCRA's challenge, noting that the government had considered the Chinese government's application for planning permission. The judge also stated that the RMCRA was not disadvantaged by not receiving a "blast assessment" at the time of the planning decision.
The RMCRA has stated its intention to appeal against the High Court ruling.