The National Federation of Builders (NFB) has called for the construction of a new Chinese embassy in London to be carried out by British contractors with heritage expertise, following the Housing Secretary’s decision to grant planning permission for the scheme.
Housing Secretary Steve Reed confirmed he will approve plans for the embassy at Royal Mint Court in Tower Hamlets, bringing an end to a long-running planning process.
Planning approval follows call-in decision
The planning application, first submitted in 2021, was previously refused by the local planning authority, despite a recommendation for approval from council planning officers. The Housing Secretary later called in the application, giving him the authority to make the final decision.
The approval follows the recommendation of an independent Planning Inspector, who held a public inquiry into the proposal between 11 and 19 February 2025. The decision will stand unless challenged through the courts.
Despite the approval, opposition remains among local residents, while politicians and commentators have raised concerns over the site’s proximity to sensitive data cables.
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Heritage and security considerations raised
The NFB said the scale and sensitivity of the project mean that procurement decisions should prioritise UK-based contractors with proven experience in heritage construction and refurbishment.
Richard Beresford, Chief Executive of the NFB, said:
“Due to the potential security and conservation challenges associated with the project, the Government should ensure that the construction contract goes to British firm with heritage expertise, like those who hold the NFB’s Heritage Approved Contractor Mark.
“This would help reduce the concerns expressed around national security, while ensuring the project remains a heritage asset.”
Complex refurbishment of listed buildings
The proposed development involves the refurbishment and restoration of multiple listed buildings within the Royal Mint Court site. Works are expected to include refurbishment of the Grade II* listed Johnson Smirke Building and partial demolition of the Grade II listed Seaman’s Registry, alongside associated construction and security-related works.
The project has been described as complex and diplomatically sensitive, requiring specialist expertise in listed building conservation and refurbishment.
The NFB said that the scheme highlights broader issues around procurement, heritage skills and the role of domestic contractors in delivering sensitive construction projects involving historic buildings and national infrastructure.
