Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
COUNCIL FIGHT CHINA’S NOT SO GREAT WALL OF BELFAST
Legal bid to halt embassy’s barrier
LEGAL action has been launched to stop a metal wall being built around the Chinese Consulate in Belfast.
The local authority went to the High Court yesterday seeking an injunction to halt any further work on the security barrier.
Lawyers for the council said the embassy did not have diplomatic immunity to put up the fencing without planning permission. But the case was adjourned after the judge was told work has temporarily ceased.
The wall, which reportedly replaced hedges, has provoked anger among some residents near the consulate on the Malone Road. Following complaints, Belfast City Council served a temporary stop notice until planning issues could be resolved.
Injunction proceedings were then started in an attempt to secure a judicial order for all associated building work to be halted. Denise Kiley, representing the council, said in court the action was being taken against the Chinese Consul General in Belfast, Madame Zhang Meifang.
The barrister added: “She is the occupier of the subject premises where, we say, works are being carried out in breach of planning control.” Rejecting claims that Madam Zhang is entitled to diplomatic immunity, Ms Kiley described those suggestions as “bland assertions”.
The hearing took place remotely due to the Covid-19 situation. During proceedings Madam Justice Mcbride was told correspondence from the consulate confirmed the building work has now stopped.
Welcoming the development, she agreed to adjourn the application for further discussions between the two sides.