Britain’s government announced Tuesday that it has approved plans for a large new Chinese Embassy in central London, moving forward with a proposal that has faced years of political opposition and security warnings from lawmakers.

Local Government Secretary Steve Reed formally signed off on the project near the Tower of London following prolonged delays and legal challenges.

Critics have raised persistent concerns that the planned embassy — set to become the largest Chinese diplomatic mission in Europe — could be used as a hub for espionage and increase the risk of surveillance or intimidation of Chinese dissidents living in exile in the United Kingdom.

China’s government purchased the Royal Mint Court site near the Tower of London in 2018 for £225 million (about $301 million). Since then, the project has faced sustained objections and protests.

Opponents argue the location is dangerously close to underground fiber-optic cables that transmit sensitive financial data between London’s two major financial districts. British media have reported that the proposed complex includes more than 200 basement rooms situated near the data lines, heightening fears over potential intelligence-gathering capabilities.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government had repeatedly delayed a final decision amid recent cases involving alleged Chinese espionage and political interference, which have intensified scrutiny of the embassy plan.