Reform councillor's cafe breaks planning rules

4 hours ago

Rob Mayor Black Country political reporter

News image — Councillor Ritchie Massey (top right) and council leader Ray Nock (bottom left) pictured with new Sandwell Council cabinet colleagues

Sandwell Council Seven men and one woman are stood in two rows in front of the Sandwell Council building wearing smart clothes. Councillor Massey is in the back row to the right hand side, wearing a blue tie and grey waistcoat with white shirt. — Councillor Ritchie Massey (top right) and council leader Ray Nock (bottom left) pictured with new Sandwell Council cabinet colleagues

A senior Reform UK councillor in Sandwell has been accused of running a business for 18 months without proper planning permission.

Councillor Ritchie Massey won a two-year term in the Rowley Ward in May's local elections and has also been appointed as cabinet member for adult services, health and wellbeing.

In February last year, Massey sought retrospective planning permission to change the use of the premises to the cafe, which remains open on Fountain Lane in Oldbury, but it was refused.

Sandwell Council has confirmed "the operation of the cafe remains unauthorised", but said Massey intends to submit a new application. He and Reform UK have been approached for comment.

"We understand that the applicant intends to submit a new application to regularise the use, which will be assessed in accordance with our policies," a council spokesperson said.

"The planning authority reserves the right to pursue enforcement action should the unauthorised use continue or should the forthcoming application fail to secure permission."

Google A parade of shops shows Massey's Cafe at the end of the row, which has a blue sign and yellow lettering that promotes the premises. There is a large pavement in front of the cafe. It is a sunny day. — In February 2025, Massey applied for retrospective planning permission to change the use of the unit to a cafe, but it was turned down

The application for change of use was refused on the grounds that it would undermine future employment on the land and due to concerns about parking.

Councillor Paul Moore, leader of the Labour opposition group, said he was shocked Massey had been appointed to the council's cabinet.

"Councillors need to uphold the highest standards," he said, adding that council leader Ray Nock, who has also been approached for comment, should explain what he knew about the matter and when.

"I have confidence in Sandwell Council upholding their own processes," Moore added.

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