"The UK government has approved the construction of a vast new Chinese embassy complex in east London, despite concerns about security and its impact on political exiles in the capital. The decision brings to an end, for now at least, the saga that has been running since 2018 over the site at Royal Mint Court near Tower Bridge. However, residents of Royal Mint Court plan to mount a legal challenge to the decision within weeks,"
"amid concerns they could be forced out of their homes, and potentially delaying the project by months or years. MPs from across the political spectrum voiced their opposition to the application, although the security services have said they can handle the risks of espionage that may stem from the enlarged site, which sits close to data cables that run to the City of London."
Government approval was given for a large Chinese embassy complex at Royal Mint Court in east London, ending a planning saga that began in 2018. Residents plan to mount a legal challenge within weeks, citing fears of being forced from their homes and delays lasting months or years. MPs across the political spectrum opposed the application, while security services say they can manage espionage risks from the enlarged site near data cables to the City. The former head of GCHQ's national cybersecurity centre said intelligence agencies would block the project if it posed unmanageable risks. Officials say no political input influenced the planning decision, and approval may ease relations before the prime minister's expected visit to China.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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