“In three key areas – our safety, security, and privacy.”

Mark Nygate, a resident of Royal Mint Court, expressed his significant worries in light of a political decision that may drastically alter his existence. He was awaiting news on whether the government would permit China to construct a vast new embassy adjacent to his residence.

“The most concerning outcome is being forced to relocate,” he shared. “If they do move us without any compensation, what options do I have? At 65 years old, I cannot afford to live in London without financial means.”

Mark has resided in his apartment, built in the 1980s on the historic Royal Mint grounds, for 27 years. This area is situated on the edge of London’s financial district and is almost directly overlooking the Tower of London.

In 2018, China purchased the land and has sought approval for an embassy since 2019. The situation has escalated into a major conflict, reminiscent of a David versus Goliath struggle, as Mark and his neighbors oppose China’s proposals.

“We are a community of 100 flats, comprising around 200 residents, standing against the formidable power and wealth of the People’s Republic of China.”

Despite backlash from politicians and concerns regarding national security, the government greenlighted the project on Tuesday. Officials have previously indicated that the new Chinese mega embassy might offer “security benefits” by centralizing the seven different Chinese sites across London.

According to Mark, his building is merely a few meters from the accommodations planned for embassy personnel, separated by a high wall. “They will view us as a security risk for their staff. Thus, we fear that we might ultimately be relocated,” he stated, representing the 200 residents of Royal Mint Court.

In a more optimistic scenario, he worries that staff lounging on their balconies could invade residents’ privacy and that CCTV cameras would surveil them from all angles. When envisioning life next to Chinese officials, he noted the installation of bollards “right in front of people’s homes,” leaving residents feeling like potential targets.

“Embassies tend to attract demonstrations and conflicts, and we would be positioned right at the heart of it.”

Spanning 215,278.21 square feet, this would be the largest foreign embassy in Europe, often referred to as a “mega embassy.”

Mark questioned, “Why is there a need for an establishment of this enormous scale? It’s simply a way to showcase their presence on this prime piece of land facing the Tower of London, as a statement of their stature. It’s about prestige.”

He informed the BBC of his intention to mount a legal challenge if the proposal was approved. He is joined in his effort by long-time local Conservative councillor Peter Golds, who is preparing to initiate a judicial review.

Golds also raises several issues regarding the appropriateness of such development in this area of London. He highlighted that the nearby Tower Bridge means that any protests or road closures could lead to “chaos both north and south of the river.” Additionally, he expressed concerns regarding the heritage aspect of the site.

“This is one of the world’s most iconic heritage locations, attracting millions of visitors annually,” he stated. “If this is constructed, tourists stepping off coaches or out of the Tube station will gaze at Tower Bridge and the Tower of London, only to be confronted with a massive flag of the Chinese Communist Party above them. That’s not representative of London.”

Before the government’s announcement, crowds gathered in protest on Saturday, many brandishing signs opposing the plans. Among them was Chung Ching Kwong, who described herself as being in “self-imposed exile” from Hong Kong due to her pro-democracy advocacy. Now residing in London and working with the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, she fears for the safety of dissidents from Hong Kong and China.

She expressed that as the embassy grows, so does the potential for “oppression and espionage tactics.” “For our community, learning that this will be the largest embassy and that hundreds more staff will be present in the UK is deeply concerning, especially as we fled our homeland to escape oppression, surveillance, and state control.”

Chung further added that individuals like her, who have relocated to the UK – some with “bounties on their heads and threats of being returned to China for a reward” – are particularly alarmed. “This cumulative reality creates an extremely frightening prospect for us. Although China requires a new embassy because the current one is inadequate, this location is neither appropriate nor safe.”

The Chinese government has been approached for a reaction.