The United Kingdom has postponed its decision on whether to approve China’s proposed new embassy at Royal Mint Court in London, extending the deadline from September ninth to October twenty-first.

The delay follows China’s refusal to fully disclose internal layout details, with several sections of its architectural drawings left redacted.

The UK’s housing and planning authorities indicated that more time is required to assess the explanations provided for the omissions.

The site, which spans approximately twenty thousand square meters near the Tower of London, has been embroiled in controversy for over three years.

The local council initially rejected the proposal in twenty twenty-two, citing security and heritage concerns.

The planning decision was subsequently taken over by central government.

The consultancy representing China argued that the level of detail provided—which omitted certain internal layouts—met established planning norms and was sufficient for identifying the buildings’ principal functions.

Critics, including parliamentary campaign groups, described the explanations as inadequate.

The Chinese embassy maintained that claims of secret facilities were defamatory and emphasised the UK’s obligation to facilitate diplomatic construction under international norms.

The proposed development has drawn opposition from local residents and campaigners as well as concern from UK and US lawmakers, who have highlighted potential security implications.

The application, which includes a cultural exchange building and embassy house, remains under review ahead of the revised October deadline.