A High Court challenge against the construction of a Chinese mega embassy in London has failed.
The decision to uphold planning permission for the site on the old Royal Mint, near the Tower of London, has dismayed campaigners from the Royal Mint Court Residents’ Association (RMCRA), which represents families and businesses in about 100 properties.
The RMCRA fear the site poses an espionage threat and will be used to enforce “draconian” Chinese laws in the UK and to target dissidents.
The Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets defended the claim, saying they “conscientiously and carefully had regard” to the residents’ concerns.
The association was also concerned about the Chinese government creating a fire risk by ignoring safety obligations, which it said would not be enforceable because of diplomatic immunity.
A High Court hearing was held earlier this month and two judges have now dismissed RMCRA’s challenge.
Mrs Justice Lieven, sitting with Lord Justice Dingemans, said there was “no doubt” that the government took into account that it was the Chinese government applying for planning permission.
She also said that the RMCRA was not disadvantaged by not receiving a copy of a “blast assessment” at the time of the planning decision, which detailed the effect of a possible terrorist explosion.
The judge said: “There was no unfairness to the claimant by reason of these documents not having been disclosed.”
The RMCRA say they intend to appeal against the High Court ruling.