City Council rejects China's plan to build new embassy near Tower of London

China’s controversial plan to build a new embassy near the Tower of London has been rejected in a council meeting on Thursday evening.

Beijing wants to build its biggest European embassy on Royal Mint Court, the former home of Britain’s state-owned coin producer. China originally bought the site for £255 million ($311 million) in May 2018, with the view of replacing its current embassy in the Marylebone neighborhood. 

The plans -- drawn up by David Chipperfield Architects -- have been subject to protests and debate around security, privacy and safety concerns for residents living near the site. Tower Hamlets Council