AN EAST London residents’ association has launched a public appeal to raise £30,000 to oppose the relocation of an embassy to their estate.

The Chinese government plans to establish a “super-embassy” on a small residential estate close to the Tower of London, the Social Housing Action Campaign (SHAC) said. It would be the biggest embassy in Europe.

The proposed site includes housing owned by the MTVH Housing Association and residents fear the development will disrupt their close-knit community at Royal Mint Court.

SHAC member Dave Lake, an MTVH resident and chairman of the Royal Mint Court Residents Association said: “So far we have been successful in defeating the plans.

“Planning permission has twice been rejected by Tower Hamlets Council on security grounds.

“But central government has taken control of the decision and it now sits with [Housing, Communities and Local Government Secretary] Angela Rayner.

“As we all know, this government is unpredictable.”

Residents had previously been able to make their case directly to Tower Hamlets Council without legal representation on either side.

But the Chinese government has enlisted top barristers to support its application.

Residents fear that their voices and interests will be screened out unless they are able to secure legal representation and they are appealing for donations.

An embassy spokesperson described Tower Hamlets’ rejection of the planning application as “deeply disappointing.”

“Not long ago, the UK central government called in the planning application of the new Chinese embassy project,” they said.

“Host countries have the international obligation to support and facilitate the building of the premises of diplomatic missions.

“It is hoped that the UK side will fulfil that obligation.”