Written question asked by Lord Jamieson (Conservative) on Monday, 23 February 2026, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 March 2026. It was answered by Baroness Taylor of Stevenage (Labour) on Monday, 9 March 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

Embassies: Construction

Question: To ask His Majesty's Government whether local authorities in England are able to enforce against (1) building regulation, and (2) planning control, breaches by embassies and high commissions.

Answer: Section 1 of the Diplomatic and Consular Premises Act 1987, which governs UK Ministerial consent for use of the land as an embassy, includes consideration of all material considerations, and in particular the safety of the public, national security and town and country planning. Embassies are also expected to respect local laws, including the Building Regulations and planning legislation. In terms of planning enforcement by local planning authorities, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given to Question UIN 43486 on 16 April 2025. In terms of enforcement by building control authorities, under the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, embassies and their staff are protected from the jurisdiction of the host country's courts.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: HL14717
Session: 2024-26
Attachment: Written Question 43486
Related items: Embassies: Planning Permission
Wednesday, 16 April 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Construction Building regulations Enforcement Planning permission Embassies
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk