A newly-elected Sandwell councillor has re-submitted a planning application for a café he opened without permission two years ago.
Ritchie Massey, a Reform UK councillor appointed as cabinet member for adult services, health, and wellbeing at Sandwell Council, began operating Massey’s Café at Fountain Lane, Oldbury, at the end of 2024. However, the café was opened without securing the required planning permission from Sandwell Council.
In February 2025, Cllr Massey submitted a retrospective planning application, but it was rejected by May of the same year. A key reason for refusal was the council planners’ view that the café should operate within Oldbury town centre, which offers more suitable locations. Additionally, the application lacked adequate parking provision.
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The initial planning report stated: “Given the proximity of Oldbury town centre and the vacancy and variety of units within, there is insufficient justification to support the use in this location.” It also noted concerns that the café could undermine existing businesses in the town centre.
Despite the refusal, the café has remained open for over a year. Now, Cllr Massey has once again sought planning permission, emphasizing that the café serves hot and cold food and drinks mainly for on-site consumption, provides local employment, and caters to workers in the area.
In a recent political shift, Reform UK made significant gains in Sandwell Council, capturing 41 seats and ending Labour’s decades-long control since 1979. Cllr Massey secured his seat in Rowley, winning the second-highest vote count and contributing to Reform’s clean sweep in the ward.