London Council Rejects New Chinese Embassy Proposal Over Security Fears

An artist's impression of the proposed new Chinese Embassy in London. CBRE  

CNN: China’s plans for giant new London embassy unexpectedly rejected by local officials on security grounds  

China’s plans for a giant new embassy opposite the Tower of London have been unanimously rejected by local councilors on the grounds they pose a security risk to local residents, in a surprise decision that comes amid growing concerns over Beijing’s diplomatic activity in the United Kingdom. 

The London Borough of Tower Hamlets had indicated it was preparing to wave through the proposals drafted by the embassy’s architect, David Chipperfield, as recently as Wednesday, telling CNN then that the proposed initiative was “generally in accordance” with the area’s development plan and that “on this basis officers have recommended that planning permission and listed building consent are granted.”  

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WNU Editor: That is one big proposed Chinese embassy.

London Council Rejects New Chinese Embassy Proposal Over Security Fears 

Chinese embassy move to Tower Hamlets rejected by council -- BBC  

China's plan to build super embassy near Tower of London are thrown out by council -- Daily Mail  

London council rejects new Chinese embassy amid residents’ safety fears -- The Guardian 

London says no to a big Chinese Embassy, in a blow to Beijing ties -- NPR  

Chinese ‘super embassy’ blocked in London in blow to Xi Jinping -- The Telegraph