LONDON — Due to local resistance, China’s plans to construct a new embassy close to the Tower of London have been put on hold. If completed, it would be the largest diplomatic compound in Britain.
The project was stopped in February by the borough of Tower Hamlets, the local government authority in London in charge of the region, citing worries about the increased risk of terrorist attacks, protests, and traffic in a location frequented by millions of tourists yearly.
According to Tower Hamlets, Chinese authorities had until Thursday to appeal the ruling to the U.K. government, but they chose not to.
“The applicant would have already needed to have given notice to us as the local planning authority if they wanted to appeal through the public inquiry procedure,” Tower Hamlets stated in a statement. “The applicant has not provided any such notification,” the statement reads.
The Royal Mint was located on a 5.2-acre property from 1811 to 1968. China’s plans called for a thorough reconstruction of the area, including some existing structures being demolished and others being restored. About 57,000 square meters of floor space, including offices, a building for cultural exchange, and 225 apartments, would make up the new embassy site.
China’s plans to construct a new embassy close to the Tower of London have been put on hold.
The new American embassy in London, which opened in 2018 and has 48,000 square meters of area, is around 18% smaller than that.
The project was recommended for approval by Tower Hamlets planning officials. However, the borough council decided to reject the request on February 10.
The Chinese Embassy in London urged the British government to take action.
The embassy stated, “it is the host country’s duty under international law to provide facilitations and support for the construction of diplomatic premises.” “We firmly request that the U.K. side uphold its pertinent international obligations.”
British officials did not immediately answer requests for comments.
China’s plans to construct a new embassy close to the Tower of London have been put on hold.
The plan to open an embassy coincides with growing concerns in the U.K. about Chinese investments in vital infrastructure and claims that China has tried to sway British lawmakers and academics.
After being dragged onto the grounds of the Chinese consulate in Manchester, a pro-democracy protester had to be saved by police four months before that ruling. Following that, the British foreign secretary called the assistant to the Chinese ambassador into his office and sought an explanation.
According to the Tower Hamlets council, the proposed embassy compound would strain the neighborhood’s police force, worsen traffic, and hurt the Tower of London neighborhood.
“The proposed embassy would result in adverse impacts on local tourism,” the council announced its choice. “Due to concerns over the effect of potential protests, acts of terrorism, and related security mitigation measures on the sensitive backdrop of nationally significant tourist attractions,” the council added.
SOURCE – (AP)
