Residents of Alum Rock are gearing up for more protests against an unapproved food court operating at Rock Park on Adderley Road, Birmingham. Over the weekend, approximately 14 fast food vendors set up shop without obtaining the necessary planning permission, sparking significant community backlash.
Birmingham City Council confirmed that no valid planning approval exists for converting the area into a food court. They acknowledged ongoing concerns from local residents and said investigations into the matter are underway.
Newly elected Councillor Nosheen Khalid engaged with the site owners, who temporarily closed the park ahead of a peaceful protest on Monday evening. Despite local objections and the absence of permission, vendors reportedly continue business operations at the location.
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Long-time resident Tahir Aslam, who fondly remembers playing cricket at Rock Park, has called for an official stop notice to halt the unauthorized activity. “They have shown disregard for the community and bypassed due process. We want a stop notice now,” he said.
As protests continue to be scheduled for Friday and Saturday evenings, Birmingham City Council reiterated its commitment to addressing the issue: “We recognise the concerns raised by residents regarding activity at Rock Park on Adderley Road and the disruption caused to the local community. We remain in regular contact with the site operator, local members, and residents while our planning investigations continue.”