A protest was held in Birmingham after a food court opened without planning permission on Adderley Road in Alum Rock. Locals gathered on Monday evening, May 11, holding placards reading 'Council Enforce the Law' and 'Residents Deserve Better', demanding action against the unauthorised development.
The site, known as 'Rock Park', had previously been a playground but was transformed into a food court, causing astonishment among residents as cars lined up to use vendors over the weekend. Newly elected Councillor Nosheen Khalid met with site owners ahead of the protest, securing an agreement to close the park temporarily. However, some vendors continued to operate on Tuesday, despite the closure pledge.
Birmingham City Council confirmed that no valid planning permission is in place for the change of use and an investigation is underway. A council spokesperson stated: 'We recognise the concerns raised by residents regarding activity at Rock Park on Adderley Road and understand the disruption this has caused to the local community. There is no current valid planning permission in place to change the area’s use into a food court. We continue to be in regular contact with the site operator, local members and residents whilst we carry out our investigations.'
Councillor Khalid highlighted the traffic issues caused by the park, with queues backing up to George Arthur Road, and warned the situation could worsen with the closure of Saltley Viaduct. She said: 'I met with representatives from the park yesterday at 5.30pm with police present to speak about the protest and the fact that they don't have licensing in place. Residents are upset. We managed to close down for the interest of public safety and they agreed to close within half an hour. I've spoke to vendors and residents and the residents want the park to stay closed until relevant licensing is in place.' However, she added that the park has not agreed to remain closed permanently.
Local resident Tahir Aslam voiced concerns over litter, anti-social behaviour, and noise, stating: 'They should've followed the law like everyone else does, there's a due process. The authorities should take into account the impact on the local community.'
