Rock Park food court in Alum Rock, Birmingham, has hit back at what it calls 'harmful misinformation' following protests over its planning permission status. The venue, located off Adderley Road, faced demonstrations on Monday, May 11, with locals carrying placards reading 'Council Enforce the Law'. This led to the food court's temporary closure the next day.
Planning Application Status
Bosses at Rock Park dismissed claims that their planning application had been rejected, insisting it was still being processed by Birmingham City Council. A spokesperson stated: 'Claims suggesting that the application has been rejected are incorrect and misleading. An application has been submitted, and further information and requirements were requested as part of the standard process.'
Protest Allegations
The food court accused some protesters of 'deliberately discarding rubbish' to create false impressions online. It alleged that several protesters had 'previously expressed interest' in becoming vendors themselves, while others were not local residents. Management said they voluntarily closed after meeting with Councillor Nosheen Khalid as a 'gesture of goodwill'.
Community Benefits
Rock Park emphasised its positive impact on the community, including creating jobs for local entrepreneurs and transforming a previously neglected site associated with fly-tipping. The venue remains committed to working with authorities while maintaining it has received 'overwhelmingly positive' customer feedback since opening.
