Westminster residents have voiced their frustration after Montenegro’s embassy moved into a family home on their street in central London.
According to locals, the embassy established itself in the property approximately eight months ago, hoisting the Montenegrin flag before applying for the necessary planning consent.
The council subsequently granted permission for the change of use, despite the embassy having already occupied the building.
Neighbours have expressed their intention to challenge the decision, describing it as incomprehensible.
The dispute highlights tensions between diplomatic requirements and residential community concerns in one of London’s most prestigious boroughs.
At a council meeting last week, David Simpson, who resides adjacent to the property, addressed officials directly about the strength of neighbourhood opposition.
He told the meeting: “You are aware of the level of local opposition to this planning application.”
Mr Simpson added: “Not a single person has spoken in favour of giving permission and every local Westminster councillor and organisation opposes it.”
Westminster residents have voiced their frustration after Montenegro’s embassy moved into a family home on their street in central London
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The resident continued: “We will appeal the decision.
“It makes no sense to allow the owner of 40 Cambridge Street to let his house (in perpetuity, if he wishes) to a foreign state and deprive our Pimlico conservation area of a family home in breach of all of Westminster’s planning guidelines.
“The spurious reason given is the public benefit of improved diplomatic relations when there are plenty of other places suitable for an embassy in central London which tick all the planning boxes.”
Despite the unanimous local opposition, Westminster Council approved the landlord’s application for embassy use, citing substantial public benefits arising from fostering positive diplomatic relations.
According to locals, the embassy established itself in the property approximately eight months ago
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Officials noted Montenegro’s modest size as a nation means the embassy would likely attract relatively few visitors, with events restricted to a maximum of 15 attendees.
Council officers acknowledged the diplomatic mission had been seeking alternative premises for several months prior to occupying the residential property.
However, they also highlighted a potential complication.
Diplomatic immunity could pose significant obstacles if the council attempts to enforce any planning conditions or restrictions on the embassy’s operations.
The dispute highlights tensions between diplomatic requirements and residential community concerns in one of London’s most prestigious boroughs
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A spokesman for the embassy said: “We are committed to being a respectful and considerate presence in the neighbourhood.
“The embassy has followed all required procedures and we remain fully open to constructive dialogue with neighbours to address any concerns and ensure a positive relationship with the local community.”
The embassy spokesman explained that the embassy’s activities “do not generate significant public traffic”, and said any larger diplomatic events would be held at external venues.
They added: “Our operational setup is designed to ensure minimal disruption, consistent with our experience at previous premises.”