China wins the embassy battle following a ruling by the UK Supreme Court
The United Kingdom’s Supreme Court has rejected an appeal filed by residents of Tower Hamlets against the authorization granted for the construction of a massive Chinese embassy in London.
Britain approved the plans for the construction of a large new Chinese embassy in the capital after the Supreme Court dismissed the legal challenge to the planning permission.
The Royal Mint Court Residents’ Association had brought legal proceedings against the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the London Borough of Tower Hamlets, according to the British newspaper The Independent.
The association argued that the embassy’s location, near the Tower of London, could increase the risk of terrorist attacks. It also claimed that the diplomatic complex could be used to enforce “harsh” Chinese laws within the United Kingdom and to target political opponents.
The association, which represents families and businesses occupying around one hundred properties, also expressed concern that the Chinese government could create a fire hazard if it failed to comply with safety obligations, arguing that such obligations might be unenforceable because of diplomatic immunity.
For their part, the government and the local council defended the embassy project, stating that they had considered residents’ concerns “carefully and conscientiously.”
Following a hearing before the High Court earlier this month, two judges dismissed the appeal, rejecting the association’s claims that the planning decision had been made unlawfully, that the explosion-risk assessment and security statement had not been disclosed, that the government had failed to comply with planning regulations, and that it had not properly identified and assessed human rights implications.
Judge Lieven, who presided over the hearing alongside Lord Dingemans, stated in the ruling issued on Friday that there was “no doubt” that the government had taken into account the fact that the planning application had been submitted by the Chinese authorities.
The judge also stated that the association had suffered no prejudice as a result of not receiving a copy of the “explosion-risk assessment” at the time the planning decision was made. The document detailed the consequences of a potential terrorist attack. She added: “The claimant suffered no unfairness as a result of the non-disclosure of these documents.”
Nevertheless, residents living near the proposed Chinese embassy site in London intend to continue their legal battle.
The Greater Richmond Residents’ Association has instructed its lawyers to seek permission to appeal after the High Court dismissed its challenge to the planning approval.
Dave Lake, representing the Greater Richmond Residents’ Association, said: “We are determined to continue and will seek permission to appeal.”
