Walsall Rooftop Food Court Demands Compensation After Council Closure
A prominent rooftop food venue in Walsall has launched legal action against the local authority, demanding compensation for what it describes as "disproportionate and damaging" enforcement action that forced its temporary closure.
Forced Closure and Safety Concerns
The Rooftop Food Court, situated atop the Asda multi-storey car park on George Street, was compelled to shut its doors in October 2025 after Walsall Council issued a Temporary Stop Notice. The council asserted that the facility, which operated without proper planning permission since opening earlier that year, presented an "immediate risk" to public safety.
The venue, featuring:
- Over a dozen vendors housed in shipping containers
- An outdoor cinema area
- Seating capacity for 350 people
was allowed to reopen in December 2025 following compliance from the owners and the formal withdrawal of the council's notice.
Legal Action and Compensation Claim
Now, the business is pursuing substantial compensation from Walsall Council for the financial losses incurred during the two-month closure period. The company has simultaneously submitted an application for a judicial review into the decision to issue the original stop notice.
A spokesperson for Rooftop Food Court stated: "Our landmark venue recently faced severe and unwarranted enforcement action from Walsall Council. This stance was taken despite our project being the very type of innovative initiative the council claims to support, and appears to contradict its own enforcement policies."
The business has indicated that if the council acknowledges liability and agrees to compensation, it would withdraw the High Court challenge.
Planning Application and Council Response
In a parallel development, the owners submitted a retrospective planning application in November 2025 to secure the facility's future. This application is scheduled for consideration at an upcoming planning committee meeting.
Walsall Council has responded firmly to the legal challenge. A council spokesperson confirmed: "The local planning authority is in receipt of a planning application on the Asda car park site. The application will be considered at planning committee when it has been assessed against the relevant planning policy and a recommendation arrived at."
Regarding the judicial review application, the spokesperson added: "Separately, the owners of the site have submitted an application for judicial review to the High Court with regard to the Temporary Stop Notice issued by the council. In relation to this matter the council is actively and robustly defending its position."
Community Focus and Ongoing Operations
Despite the legal proceedings, Rooftop Food Court remains operational, currently open to the public daily from 5pm to 11pm. The business expressed gratitude to its customers, vendors, and supporters for their loyalty during what it described as a "challenging time," while maintaining that its primary focus continues to be serving the local community and visitors to the area.
