THE Chinese Consulate in south Belfast has said it hopes to achieve a "win-win solution" in the dispute over a metal wall erected without planning permission.
In a letter to residents, the consulate said the boundary structure is temporary, but acknowledged it is considered an "eyesore".
It said it hopes to build a permanent wall that both meets its security needs and respects the character of the neighbourhood.
The metal boundary, which replaced a hedgerow, has caused uproar in the leafy Malone Road area since it was constructed in recent weeks.
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A planning enforcement investigation has been launched and the city council has raised the dispute with the British foreign office.
Residents, who are taking legal advice, fear the consulate will seek to ignore planning rules by claiming diplomatic immunity.
Plans submitted by the consulate in May last year, but later withdrawn, showed proposals for an almost 10-feet-high boundary wall topped with railings and razor wire.
The area is a planning conservation zone in which development must meet stricter rules to be in-keeping with its architectural character.
In its letter to residents, the consulate said: "We are aware of your concerns and worries regarding what is going on with the fences."
It acknowledged the structure is regarded as an "eyesore, for which we fully understand the inconvenience that has arisen thereof".
"As a diplomatic mission, the consulate general must ensure its security and this is the same for all other diplomatic offices here and elsewhere in the world," it said.
"In meeting the necessary security requirements, it is also important to preserve the characteristics of our estate in the neighbourhood.
"Henceforth, we have been working with the department concerned to try to achieve a solution, which will be in-keeping with city council regualtions, the existing practice regarding diplomatic and consular premises, and of course with the character of the estate and the neighbourhood environment in mind."
It added: "We need your understanding, respect and support for the fence project of our diplomatic compound, which we hope to achieve a win-win solution."
It said it would keep residents updated on developments.
The Chinese Consulate is based at MacNeice House, a listed building which dates from 1889.
Residents have urged the consulate to share their boundary plans and agree a structure that complies with the conservation area.
SDLP councillor Gary McKeown has previously said that any construction in the area "should be in-keeping with the character of the neighbourhood and not forced upon the community".
