Can I just lay to rest the ATC slagging on this thread? I am not aware of any pilot being instructed to hold for any amount of time, let alone 1/2 hour, to await a zone crossing of Birmingham controlled airspace. Either you can come in or you can't - simple. (In the circuit may be different however).
My guess is a photographer, and we do get lots of complaints about them, and my advice is always the same - if you think they are breaking the law complain to the appropriate authorities - the police. (I do advise complainants what the laws are).