The embassy has been told it can carry on operating from the family home(Image: WCC)
Locals are unhappy after the Montenegrin Embassy moved into a family home in the middle of their quiet residential street. The location choice was dubbed “bizarre” by one councillor, at a Westminster City Council Planning Sub-Committee last night (April 21).
Residents say the embassy moved into the building eight months ago and began displaying the flag of Montenegro – before seeking planning permission from the council. It is currently renting the property from the building’s freeholder.
Diana Simpson, who has lived next door to the property for 35 years, told the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme that the embassy will be out of place in the tight-knit community on Cambridge Street. She has questioned why the embassy was able to move into the property without planning permission.
“It’s a tight-knit community and people look out for each other,” she said, adding: “this whole area is in a conservation area and it is the loss of a residential house.”
The flag is displayed from one of the house’s windows(Image: WCC)
The application received a total of 26 objections and no comments in favour. West End ward Councillor Paul Fisher, was one of two councillors who opposed the planning application at the committee meeting last night.
“We have an embassy slap bang in the middle of a residential area where there are no other embassies – it’s a rather bizarre choice,” he told the sub-committee.
Cllr Fisher also questioned whether there were better locations which the embassy could use which would not result in the loss of a family home. Councillor Barbara Arzymanow also raised concerns over the potential for protests outside of buildings being used as embassies.
David Simpson, who also lives next door to the property, asked the committee to consider asking the embassy to move at the lease’s next break clause, in February 2027. He argued this would allow the embassy time to find a new home, while respecting the resident’s objections.
“You are aware of the level of local opposition to this planning application. Not a single person has spoken in favour of giving permission and every local Westminster councillor and organisation opposes it,” he said at the meeting.
However, the sub-committee ultimately resolved to approve the application. Three councillors voted in favour, with two voting against the plans.
“The proposals would provide a bespoke and unique use – the Embassy of Montenegro – and there are significant, wider social public benefits flowing from the proposed use such as through supporting positive diplomatic relations, to outweigh this identified harm and policy conflict,” reads a report to the Planning Sub-Committee read.
It also pointed out that Montenegro is a small country so the embassy would likely have a low number of visitors. The embassy will have visitors only from 9am-5pm, between Monday and Friday, and it will not host events at the premises which exceed 15 people.
Council officers said that the embassy had already been searching for a new home for several months. They pointed out diplomatic immunity may make planning enforcement difficult to carry out.
Got a story? Please get in touch at katherine.gray@reachplc.com
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