Housing association residents protest Chinese embassy relocation

The BBC reported that counter-terrorism officers in the Metropolitan Police also opposed the plans at Tower Hamlets’ planning meeting in December.

They described the site, which is opposite the Tower of London, as a “major arterial junction, where any demonstration would have a serious and significant effect to not only the local area, but also wider London”. 

However, the decision is now in the hands of housing secretary Angela Rayner, who called in the decision in October. 

The housing secretary can call in applications where they consider there may be issues of national significance.

Resident Dave Lake, chair of Royal Mint Court residents association and member of the Social Housing Action Campaign, said: “So far we have been successful in defeating the plans. Planning permission has twice been rejected by Tower Hamlets Council on security grounds.”

But he added that the government, which will have the final say, is “unpredictable”.

A local inquiry will now take place on the planning applications, which is expected to start in the last week of January. Tower Hamlets’ decision will be considered as part of the inquiry. 

A spokesperson for the Chinese embassy said China “attaches great importance to security issues”. 

They said: “At the early stages of the new Chinese Embassy project, a security consultant was engaged to maintain communication with the approval authorities, the Metropolitan Police, and other relevant departments, conducting a professional security assessment of the new Chinese embassy project. 

“After the planning application was submitted, the planning department of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets also carried out an independent third-party security assessment.

“The resubmitted planning application for the new Chinese embassy project has taken into full consideration the UK’s planning policy and guidance as well as views of all relevant parties. This is a high-quality development scheme that will benefit the development of the Tower Hamlets area and its surroundings.”

They said the embassy is “actively contributing to the public interest and improving the public environment”. 

“Public facilities such as nearby pedestrian pathways, green spaces and bicycle racks will be upgraded and enhanced, while the existing property, courtyard landscaping, and the visual appeal of public areas will be comprehensively improved,” the spokesperson said. 

They added: “After the Chinese embassy relocates to the new premises, Parliamentary and Diplomatic Protection and police will include the new Chinese embassy within their protection scope, which will contribute to the overall security of the surrounding area.”

A Tower Hamlets Council spokesperson said: “A range of concerns were discussed at committee, raised by objectors, ward members and members of the committee. 

“The committee resolved to reject the application due to concerns over the impact on resident and tourist safety, heritage, police resources and highway safety given the congested nature of the area.”

A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: “Applications for a new Chinese embassy in Tower Hamlets have been called in for ministers to decide. A final decision will be made in due course.”

Inside Housing understands that MTVH is monitoring the situation.