'A law unto themselves' - Complaints heard about new buildings outside Wolverhampton temple

The Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in Sedgley Street, Blakenhall stands adjacent to the Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu centre and close to Baggot Street Park which is used by the community.

The elders of the temple have erected two temporary structures which were used for a wedding last weekend and protestors say they have not had planning permission to do so.

A parent from the nearby Gracie Barra Jiu Jitsu school which is open seven days a week said they are creating a serious safety hazard by blocking the pavement for pedestrians and emergency services.

The woman, who didn't want to be named, said "Pedestrians are being forced into traffic to avoid the structures, the disregard for public access is unacceptable.

"Children and adults at the nearby park are being endangered by how it has been left with rocks all over it from the building work and there is no evidence that they have any planning permission for it. 

"This is a clear violation of public safety and civic responsibility and with these two new buildings they are dominating the area, including the roads, to the detriment of others in the community.

"They are a law unto themselves and a once well-used area by young and old is in danger of becoming a no-go zone for some, including families who want to take their kids to the Jiu Jitsu classes."

The temple was given permission in January last year to extend its parking area but the Express & Star can find no record of it having applied to erect new buildings.

Residents and neighbours took to digital app Nextdoor to question the building of the  tents, with Parminder Kaur saying: "Any councillor on here that can explain how they sold a local road to Sedgley Street Gurdwara for them to build on when it is causing congestion on roads around the area?"

A Wolverhampton Council spokesperson said: “We take non-compliance of planning rules very seriously and where necessary will take action. Our planning officers are looking into the complaint regarding this structure.

"In relation to Baggott Street, the Highway Authority has closed off this road permanently to through traffic at the junction with Sedgley Street. Planning approval was also granted in January 2024 for this former road to be used as additional car parking. "

 Councillor Bhupinder Singh Gakhal who represents Blakenhall Ward said: "Part of Baggot Street has now become the property of the Gurdwara. This process has taken two years to complete.

"This also included a full consultation and approval from the Department for Transport (DfT).

"Regarding the marquee - I have spoken to the management committee at the Gurdwara about this, and they agree there has been a lack of information from themselves for which they apologise.

"They have assured me that this is temporary whilst an upstairs room at the Gurdwara is renovated, this will take two or three months and they are in talks with planning officers over this."

A representative of the Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara has been contacted for comment.