British Deputy Prime Minister Angela Rayner has demanded that China provide detailed explanations for heavily redacted sections of architectural plans for what would become Europe's largest diplomatic campus. In a letter sent on Wednesday, August 6, Rayner asked the Chinese embassy in the UK to supply additional information by August 20 regarding proposals to transform the former Royal Mint site into a massive embassy complex designed by renowned architect David Chipperfield.
Rayner, who must make a final decision by September 9 on whether the controversial project can proceed, specifically requested clarification on sections of the Chipperfield-designed scheme that have been blacked out for security reasons. Her letter referenced drawings for the planned Cultural Exchange Building and Embassy House, which appear greyed out in architectural plans reviewed by planning authorities. According to reports, Rayner asked Chinese officials to consider providing unredacted versions of the drawings so the public could understand exactly what permissions were being granted.
The Deputy Prime Minister's letter also reminded China of previous requests made by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and Foreign Secretary David Lammy for a hard security perimeter around the embassy to address public safety concerns. However, implementing such security measures would likely require China to submit amended architectural plans. In January, both cabinet secretaries expressed cautious support for the proposals, but only on the condition that China would install the hard perimeter and remove unrestricted public access to the proposed cultural center.
Under current diplomatic protocols, the embassy would enjoy diplomatic immunity, meaning emergency services would need permission from the Chinese ambassador to access even the small paved forecourt and pavilion areas. This could create dangerous delays if, for example, a member of the public visiting the cultural center experienced a medical emergency. Despite these safety concerns, China has shown no indication it will modify its plans. Christopher Katkowski, representing the Chinese government at a planning inquiry in February, told officials that his client had "no desire or intention to change the scheme in the way in which it has been suggested."
Following the public inquiry, planning inspectors are understood to have recommended approval for the ambitious overhaul of the listed 2.4-hectare former Royal Mint site, which sits adjacent to the Tower of London UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sources suggest that Rayner has now received the planning inspectorate's final report and recommendation on the David Chipperfield Architects-designed proposals. In June, reports indicated that Rayner was expected to approve the scheme based on the inspectorate's recommendations.
The Chinese embassy project has faced significant opposition throughout the planning process. China's scheme has already been rejected twice by Tower Hamlets Council, the local planning authority. Local councillors, human rights organizations, and Hong Kong democracy activists have raised serious concerns about the project, citing China's alleged mistreatment of Uighur Muslims. This opposition carries particular weight in Tower Hamlets, which has the largest Muslim population of any local authority in England and Wales at 39.9 percent.
Rayner officially called in the scheme in October 2024, meaning she would make the final decision rather than local authorities. Shortly afterward, the Chipperfield-designed proposal became the center of a diplomatic dispute between London and Beijing. Reports emerged of political retaliation involving plans for new UK embassy buildings in China, including one designed by Eric Parry Architects, which China allegedly put on hold in response to delays with their London embassy project.
The controversy has extended beyond UK borders, with the US Congressional Committee on China criticizing the proposals on security grounds. Earlier this year, the committee posted on social media platform X: "The PRC's mega-embassy in the UK raises significant security concerns: from interference and surveillance to risks for sensitive infrastructure like London's financial services. We must work to urgently address this issue and work with our allies to protect national security." David Chipperfield himself has faced criticism for accepting what many consider a highly controversial commission.
The ambitious architectural scheme would involve extensive renovation of the historic Royal Mint site. Chipperfield's plans call for refurbishing the Grade II-listed Johnson Smirke Building at the center of the site to create primary embassy space, with a public square created in front behind a gated entrance. The project also includes restoration of the Grade II-listed Seaman's Register building, which was previously remodeled by RMJM in the 1980s.
Additionally, the plans propose creating a new Embassy House by splitting and remodeling the connected Murray and Dexter House buildings, originally designed by Sheppard Robson. The longer Dexter House would contain residential apartments for embassy staff, with its facade reconfigured to provide what architects describe as "a calmer and more unified backdrop" to surrounding listed buildings. Meanwhile, Murray House would be transformed into a seven-story Cultural Exchange building clad in distinctive green ceramic materials.
A UK government spokesperson previously emphasized that "national security is the first duty of government" and has been the core priority throughout this process. The spokesperson noted that both the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and the Home Office submitted written representations reflecting security considerations while acknowledging "the importance of all states having functioning diplomatic premises in each other's capitals." The Chinese Embassy has dismissed the original reasons for Tower Hamlets Council's refusal in December 2022 as "without merit" and having "no basis in planning policy." Chinese embassy officials were approached for additional comment but have not responded to recent inquiries about the redacted plans or security perimeter requirements.
