Neighbour sues Westminster council over Montenegro embassy in Pimlico
A neighbour of the Embassy of Montenegro in Pimlico, central London, is suing Westminster City Council over the planning permission that allowed the building to operate as an embassy, The Guardian reported on 29 October 2026.
The neighbour, Diana Simpson, is 35 and lives with her parents on Cambridge Street, where the family has been for more than three decades. She is applying for judicial review, a court process in which a judge examines whether a public body reached its decision lawfully, and is seeking potential damages. Her claim cites alleged breaches of human rights and equality laws. She alleges that the council did not take into account the impact on her mental health when it granted permission.
The embassy occupies 40 Cambridge Street, which was previously a five-bedroom family home. The planning application sought to change its use from a single-family dwelling, a category known in planning law as Class C3, to the Embassy of Montenegro. Other homes on the street include Grade II-listed properties, meaning they are protected for their special architectural or historic interest.
The embassy applied for planning permission only after a flagpole and a plaque had been installed. BBC News reported in April 2026 that Westminster City Council had granted retrospective approval for the conversion, meaning approval given after the work was already done. Local residents said they planned to challenge the decision.
The council denies Simpson's allegations. It states that there is no plausible interference with her home or with her private and family life. Westminster City Council is also asking the court for summary judgment without a hearing, which would mean a ruling on the written material alone rather than after a full hearing. The case is before Justice Mould for consideration.
The Embassy of Montenegro said it had followed all required procedures and remained open to constructive dialogue with neighbours to address their concerns.
