Campaigners to appeal rejection of legal challenge over grant of planning permission for Chinese embassy

Lord Justice Dingemans, Senior President of Tribunals, and Mrs Justice Lieven last week dismissed the Royal Mint Court Residents’ Association’s (RMCRA’s) claims for statutory review pursuant to section 288 of the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 and section 63 of the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990.

The Divisional Court found that then Secretary of State Steve Reed had not acted unlawfully.

The residents’ association had advanced four grounds of challenge. Permission was granted on three out of four of the grounds, but the claim was ultimately dismissed.

The RMCRA is made up of residents who live in around 100 homes in St Mary Graces Court, which is the residential part of Royal Mint Court. 

A spokesperson for the RMCRA said: “The RMCRA are committed to appealing the High Court rulings. With the backing of the legal team, we remain convinced that our grounds are strong and that the residents’ safety, security and human rights will be impacted if the embassy development goes ahead.” 

Leigh Day partner Ricardo Gama, who represents RMCRA, said: “Our clients look forward to appealing this decision to the Court of Appeal. They believe that, as well as their human rights protections, important principles are at stake about diplomatic immunity.”