The Montenegro Embassy in Pimlico

NEIGHBOURS are unhappy after the embassy of Montenegro moved into a family home in the middle of their quiet residential street.

The choice of 40 Cambridge Street, Pimlico, was dubbed “bizarre” by one councillor, at a Westminster City Council planning sub-committee on Tuesday.

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 in the street for 35 years, told the Local Democracy Reporting Service: “It’s a tight-knit community and people look out for each other.

“This whole area is a conservation area and it is the loss of a residential house.”

The application received 26 objections and no comments in favour.

Councillor Paul Fisher, one of two councillors who opposed the planning application at the committee meeting, said: “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.”

Cllr Fisher also questioned whether there were better locations the embassy could use which would not result in the loss of a family home.

Councillor Barbara Arzymanow also raised concerns over potential for protests outside of buildings being used as embassies.

David Simpson, who lives in the street, asked the committee to consider asking the embassy to move at the lease’s next break clause, in February 2027, adding: “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.”

However, the sub-committee ultimately resolved to approve the application.

Three councillors voted in favour, with two voting against the plan.

Council officers had said in a report to the committee: “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.”

It added that diplomatic immunity regulations could make planning enforcement difficult.

The application said the embassy would have visitors only from 9am to 5pm, from Monday to Friday, and it will not host events at the premises which exceed 15 people.