The 20,000 square meter embassy would be considered as one of the biggest of its kind in Europe
mega embassy in central London.
A final decision has not yet been formally taken, but the advice ministers are understood to have received from the intelligence agencies clears the path for the controversial project to be given the go ahead.
The expected green light – first reported by the Times newspaper – will become the latest case study in the growing public argument about how wise a close relationship with Beijing is.
The approval or rejection of the planning application lies with the Housing Secretary Steve Reed – in what is known as a quasi-judicial decision.
But given the sensitivities of this judgement call, many others have been consulted – including MI5 and MI6.
