China's plans to build a new embassy on the site of the Royal Mint Court, where Britain's last coin was produced, have stalled for three years before the local government greenlit the project on Tuesday.

The project will renovate existing buildings and include enough space for diplomatic events, conferences, as well as offices, housing for diplomats and staff.

British intelligence confirmed that "security concerns that arise can be satisfactorily mitigated" and that they have taken urban planning and architecture into account.

UK Security Minister Dan Jarvis said, "We have acted to increase the resilience of cables in the area through an extensive series of measures to protect sensitive data. And I can confirm that contrary to reporting, the government has seen the unredacted plan for the embassy. Based on all of this and our extensive work on this matter, I am content that any risks are appropriately managed."

The decision was announced before an expected visit to China by Prime Minister Keir Starmer this month. Some MPs expressed concerns over national security and impacts to surrounding communities; but British security said these factors have been carefully reviewed. The project is expected to promote dialogue and cooperation between London and Beijing.