By Social Housing Action Campaign

An east London residents’ association has launched a public appeal to raise £30,000 in order to oppose the relocation of the Chinese Embassy to their estate.

The Chinese government plans to establish a super-embassy on a small residential estate close to the Tower of London. If it goes ahead, it will be the biggest embassy in Europe. Residential dwellings on the estate are owned by MTVH housing association and occupants are concerned that it will devastate their small, friendly neighbourhood and community.

Dave Lake, SHAC member, MTVHA Resident, and Chair of Royal Mint Court Residents Association explained: “So far we have been successful in defeating the plans. Planning permission has twice been rejected by Tower Hamlets Council on security grounds. But central government has taken control of the decision, and it now sits with Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government. As we all know, this government is unpredictable.”

A Tower Hamlets Council spokesperson said: “The Strategic Development Committee considered the planning and listed building consent applications for the redevelopment of the Royal Mint Court complex to provide a new home for the Chinese Embassy. A range of concerns were discussed at committee, raised by objectors, ward members and members of the committee. The committee resolved to reject the application due to concerns over the impact on resident and tourist safety, heritage, police resources and highway safety given the congested nature of the area.”

When Tower Hamlets council reviewed the planning application, residents were able to make representations directly to the authority, and no barristers were involved for either side. However, the Chinese government has now instructed top lawyers and barristers to act on their behalf. Residents fear that unless they are able to secure legal representation of their own, their voices and interests will be screened out.

The public can donate to the appeal here.

SHAC is a campaign group linking tenants, renters, shared owners, and leaseholders living in homes owned by housing associations, councils, and private landlords. We campaign to improve housing conditions and to reduce the commercialisation of public housing. Web: www.shaction.org

Image:Dave Lake at Royal Mint Court, c/o Dave Lake.