"One of the UK's top planning lawyers has said it would be "unlawful" for the government to grant planning permission for a Chinese "mega embassy" near the Tower of London. The opinion, from Lord Banner KC, was submitted to the government on Monday, just ahead of the final deadline for those opposed to the scheme to have their say. Opponents are stepping up their fight against China's plan to turn the historic Royal Mint Court into the largest embassy of any country in Europe."
"One of the most contentious aspects of the planning application has been that sections have been 'greyed out' by China, with the intended use of the rooms in question obscured. In August, Rayner had written to the Chinese side demanding they "explain the rationale and justification for each of the redactions". Hong Kong dissidents, and other Chinese pro-democracy activists living in the UK, have expressed fears that these rooms could be used to hold and interrogate opponents of China's Communist regime."
A senior planning lawyer concluded that granting planning permission for the proposed Chinese embassy at Royal Mint Court would be unlawful. Lord Banner KC submitted the legal opinion just before the deadline for objections. The development would convert Royal Mint Court into the largest embassy in Europe, and residents who live on the estate fear eviction because China is now their landlord. Sections of the planning application have been redacted, prompting a ministerial request for explanations and fears from Hong Kong and pro-democracy activists that concealed rooms could be used for detention or interrogation. China declined to disclose all internal layouts, citing embassy differences.
Read at www.bbc.com
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