The Chinese government has resubmitted plans to move its embassy to a site in East London after previous plans were unanimously rejected. The move was first proposed by China after it purchased Royal Mint Court in Tower Hamlets for £255million in May 2…  | By diplomaticbriefing on August 18, 2024 | The Chinese government has resubmitted plans to move its embassy to a site in East London after previous plans were unanimously rejected. The move was first proposed by China after it purchased Royal Mint Court in Tower Hamlets for £255million in May 2018. However in December 2022, the Chinese government saw its plans unanimously blocked by Tower Hamlets councillors, citing safety concerns for residents and it being minutes away from the Tower of London, a world heritage site. China did not appeal the previous rejection, and a new planning application was submitted to the council's planning portal. The Chinese Embassy argues previous reasons for refusal were 'without merit' and 'have no basis in planning policy'. (https://uk.news.yahoo.com/china-resubmits-plans-move-embassy-162822065.html) The latest plans, which are the same as those submitted in June 2021, would still see some of the Grade II-listed buildings partially bulldozed, while others would be refurbished and restored. The site, which covers over 5 acres of land and has reportedly been empty since 2013, would also have accommodation for diplomats, offices and a new visa office and cultural exchange building. Previous plans received 51 objections, which included letters from residents' groups living at St Mary Grace's Court, Royal Mint Estate, St Katharine Docks as well as representatives from Tower Hamlets Homes. Residents raised fears that the site could be 'turned into a fortress and would be a terrorist target' and had concerns that protesters would be demonstrating on their streets as well as increased CCTV. | | | |  | You can also reply to this email to leave a comment. | | | | |
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