The future of a highly popular rooftop street food destination in Walsall hangs in the balance, following a protracted planning dispute that forced its sudden closure earlier this year.
Popular Venue Forced to Close
Walsall Council issued a temporary stop notice on October 21, 2025, compelling the immediate shutdown of The Rooftop Food Court. The venue, which operated from the top of the Asda multi-storey car park, was found to be trading without the required planning consent.
The local authority stated that the unauthorised use presented an 'immediate risk' to public safety and the land's structural integrity. Officials launched an investigation and warned of potential enforcement action due to the owner's initial non-compliance.
A Transformation Met With Red Tape
The venture, operated by Easy Park, had transformed a previously underused rooftop space plagued by antisocial behaviour into a bustling leisure hub. It featured:
- Over a dozen street food vendors operating from shipping containers.
- An outdoor cinema.
- Seating for up to 350 customers.
Following the closure, the applicant submitted a full retrospective planning application to regularise the development. The proposal outlined plans for 16 modular food units, soft lighting, and operating hours from 5 pm to 11 pm.
Jobs at Stake as Legal and Planning Battles Unfold
Venue management argued the project was a clear success story, boosting the local evening economy and creating significant employment. They emphasised that over 100 jobs for vendors and support staff depended on the council approving the retrospective plans.
Simultaneously, the building owner, UK Land and Homes, initiated legal proceedings against the council over the stop notice. They contended there was "no justifiable reason" for the trading prohibition and confirmed they had supplied all necessary safety reports alongside a valid planning application.
In a recent development in December 2025, Walsall Council confirmed the withdrawal of the temporary stop notice, citing the applicant's compliance with its requirements. While this removes one obstacle, the venue's doors remain shut.
The ultimate fate of The Rooftop Food Court now rests on the council's pending decision regarding the retrospective planning application. Only a positive outcome will allow the popular community venue to confidently reopen its doors to the public.
