The work is taking place next to the former Nelson pub on Hagley Road.
The land was the pub’s former beer garden.
It was up for sale for offers of around £195k in 2023 with the listing stating that plans were being drawn up for “multiple blocks of apartments” on the site, but that there was no planning permission in place.
Councillors Simon Phipps, Peter Dobb and Daniel Bevan have reported the issue to the council and are asking for it to take “all necessary action against the operators.”
Cllr Phipps said on social media: “We have noted reports of the unauthorised development ongoing next to the old Nelson pub on Hagley Road and reported this to the council last week.
“Planning enforcement officers have advised those working on site that they need planning permission for what they’re doing.
“If no application is forthcoming, we will be encouraging the council to take all necessary action against the operators.”
The site before work began (Image: Google)
One person commented saying: “Glad something’s being done!
“I made a report of this when trees were first being cut.
“Should not have been able to get to this stage.”
Sales notes for the land stated that the pub building had already been converted into flats.
The listing also stated that to the rear of the land there is a car park – which was also available to purchase or rent on a long lease – but that it must be negotiated separately.
It stated the 3,638 sq/ft beer garden site is a “fantastic opportunity to purchase this parcel of land situated close to Halesowen Town Centre.”
The listing, which is now not online, said: “The land was the beer garden to the former former Nelson Public House which itself was converted to apartments in recent years.
“The land does not currently have planning permission associated with it, however the vendor has instructed architects plans for a multiple block of apartments in order to assess the suitability/volume of any potential development (subject to planning).”
The latest planning application for the site on Dudley Council’s planning portal is a retrospective application to change the use from a public house car park to a hand car wash which was turned down in 2010.
Dudley Council has been contacted for comment.