UK approves plans for Chinese mega-embassy

The UK government on Tuesday gave China the green light to build a "mega-embassy" in the heart of London eight years after Beijing bought the site, triggering fresh anger from residents and rights groups.

The 20,000-square-metre (235,000-square-foot) site is set to become the largest embassy complex in the UK by area, and one of the largest in the centre of a Western capital.

But it could still face legal challenges and residents vowed Tuesday to act.

Housing minister Steve Reed's decision to grant planning permission came after several delays over national security concerns.

There have also been protests by activists who fear the sprawling site could be used to spy on and harass dissidents.

Reed said the decision was now final, barring a successful challenge in court.

A government spokesperson said intelligence agencies had helped to develop a "range of measures... to manage any risks".

"Following extensive negotiations in recent months, the Chinese government has agreed to consolidate its seven current sites in London into one site, bringing clear security advantages," the spokesperson said.

Security minister Dan Jarvis said China would continue to pose national security threats.

But he said after "detailed consideration of all possible risks around this new embassy... I am assured that the UK's national security is protected".

The right-wing Daily Telegraph newspaper said last week it had obtained unredacted plans showing the site would house 208 underground rooms, including a "hidden chamber".