Complaints as Montenegro embassy moves into house

Residents in Westminster, central London, have complained after the Embassy of Montenegro moved into a family home in the middle of their street.

Locals say the embassy moved into the building eight months ago and began displaying the flag of Montenegro – before seeking, and then gaining planning permission from the council.

Local residents have said they plan to contest the decision, which they said made "no sense".

A spokesperson for the embassy told the BBC: "We are committed to being a respectful and considerate presence in the neighbourhood."

They added: "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."

David Simpson, who also lives next door to the property, told a council meeting on Tuesday: "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 council approved the building's landlord's application for the property to be used as an embassy, and said: "There are significant, wider social public benefits flowing from the proposed use (of the building as an embassy) such as through supporting positive diplomatic relations."

It also pointed out that Montenegro is a small country so the embassy would likely have a low number of visitors, and it would not be allowed to host events with more than 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.

Simpson added: "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."

The embassy spokesperson explained that the embassy's activities "do not generate significant public traffic", and said any larger diplomatic events would be held at external venues.

"Our operational setup is designed to ensure minimal disruption, consistent with our experience at previous premises," they added.

It is not the only embassy in London which is located in a residential street. The embassy of North Korea is based in a family home in Ealing.

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