Council withdraws stop notice at Walsall rooftop street food venue
Walsall Council has withdrawn a temporary stop notice at a street food venue on Asda in the town centre.
The Rooftop Food Court was issued the notice in October after it opened without planning permission.
Located on the fourth floor of the George Street multi-storey car park, the venue offered street food from over a dozen vendors in shipping containers, an outdoor cinema, 400 parking spaces and seating for 350 people.
Walsall Council issued a temporary stop notice to the owner which stated the activities posed an ‘immediate risk’ to public safety.
Now the authority has confirmed the notice has been formally withdrawn following the owner’s compliance.
Last month retrospective plans were submitted by the leaseholder applicant Easy Park to get appropriate planning permission for the council.
The building owner, UK Land and Homes, said it had launched legal proceedings against the council over the stop notice.
A spokesperson for the company said: “We remain willing to withdraw the court proceedings at our own expense, provided that the enforcement officer acts reasonably and proportionately according to their published Walsall enforcement plan and government guidelines.
“We have supplied every required safety report and submitted a valid retrospective planning application.
"There is no justifiable reason why we should not be permitted to reopen, particularly when so many local jobs depend on this decision.
“We have consistently invited the council to raise any further concerns so we can address them promptly.
“Walsall Council should be supporting businesses that invest in a declining town centre, not creating obstacles that make it harder for us to trade.
“Our aim has always been to work collaboratively for the improvement and revitalisation of Walsall town centre.”
Now the stop notice has been withdrawn the company said it would like to reopen the Rooftop Food Court, but is waiting to hear from the council in order not to be ‘shut down again’.
The spokesperson said: “We are being asked every day when we are opening.
“Over 60 vendors and staff, not including sub-contractors like security, cleaning and waste management, who are all local firms, are just on standby.”
A spokesperson from Walsall Council said: “Following the applicant’s compliance with the requirements of temporary stop notice served by the council, the notice has been formally withdrawn by the council.
“The local planning authority will continue to act to prevent unauthorised development in line with guidance and policies at this and any other site in the borough.”
