Beijing has second attempt at giant Chinese embassy plans

Plans for a huge Chinese embassy in London have been resubmitted to Tower Hamlets council. The Chinese government is having a second go at the David Chipperfield Architects-designed plans for the 613,000 sq ft embassy at Royal Mint Court, EC3, after claiming that reasons for refusal two years ago were “without merit and have no basis in planning policy”. Two years ago the council’s planning committee ignored planning officers’ recommendations and rejected plans to redevelop the site after receiving more than 50 objections. Objectors highlighted the lack of space for protests in front of the embassy and the effect of the development on multiple heritage assets in the area. The new plans propose “a sensitive mixture of reuse and refurbishment” of the historic buildings on the former home of the Royal Mint. The application states the Chinese government has continued to engage with key stakeholders, such as local councillors, by sending them invitations to cultural events it hosts. While the application does not specify whether these invitations resulted in attendance, it states that “a meeting was requested with Tower Hamlets Homes (representing Royal Mint Estate and Royal Mint Green) but no response was received.” The resubmission follows chancellor Rachel Reeves’ hints that the new Labour government will diverge from the US and EU’s imposition of tariffs on Chinese imports and embrace open trade relations with China. The project would move the Chinese embassy from its current location at 49 Portland Place, W1, and create one of the largest overseas diplomatic bases in the world, valued at up to £750m. DP9 is advising on planning. Image © David Chipperfield Architects