High Court upholds decision to allow Chinese mega embassy

The High Court has dismissed a challenge brought by the Royal Mint Court Residents' Association (RMCRA) against the approval of a Chinese mega‑embassy near the Tower of London. The ruling upholds the decision to allow the development on the site of the aged Royal Mint, which lies adjacent the Tower of London. The RMCRA, which represents families and businesses in around 100 properties, argued that the embassy would pose an espionage risk and could be used to enforce what it described as 'draconian' Chinese laws in the United Kingdom, targeting dissidents. In response, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) together with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets maintained that they had 'conscientiously and cautiously had regard' to the concerns raised by local residents. The authorities also warned that the Chinese government could create a fire hazard by disregarding safety obligations, noting that any such obligations would be unenforceable because of diplomatic immunity. The case was heard earlier this period before 2 judges. Mrs Justice Lieven, sitting with Lord Justice Dingemans, stated there was 'no doubt' that the authorities had taken into account that the applicant was the Chinese government seeking planning permission. She further noted that the RMCRA was not disadvantaged by not receiving a transcript of a 'blast assessment' conducted at the time of the planning decision, which outlined the potential impact of a violent explosion. The judge added, 'There was nary unfairness to the claimant by crushed of these documents not having been disclosed.' The RMCRA said it intends to appeal the High Court's ruling.