Chinese embassy: High Court backs London mega-site plan

Green light for China’s London base

The ruling has dismayed campaigners from the Royal Mint Court Residents' Association (RMCRA), which represents about 100 properties near the site.

The association fears the development poses an espionage threat and could be used to target dissidents and enforce "draconian" Chinese laws in the UK.

It also raised concerns about fire safety obligations that it argued would be unenforceable because of diplomatic immunity.

As The Independent reported, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and Tower Hamlets Council said they had "conscientiously and carefully had regard" to those concerns. The verdict marks the latest twist in a planning row that has become a flashpoint in UK politics.

Why the Chinese embassy challenge failed

Two judges dismissed the challenge to the Chinese embassy after a hearing earlier this month.

According to the BBC, Mrs Justice Lieven, sitting with Lord Justice Dingemans, said there was "no doubt" the government had taken into account that it was the Chinese government applying for planning permission.

"There was no unfairness to the claimant by reason of these documents not having been disclosed."

Mrs Justice Lieven

Campaigners have vowed to fight on. RMCRA spokesman Mark Nygate said residents intended to "go all the way... as far as the Supreme Court", while Luke de Pulford of the Interparliamentary Alliance on China confirmed solicitors had been instructed to appeal.