Somerset Council faces criticism and the risk of becoming a “laughing stock” if it fails to evict residents living in the disused Zig Zag Building in Glastonbury, according to local Conservative councillor Susannah Hart.
The Zig Zag Building, located on Morland Road in the Beckery area, was part of the Morland factory complex until it closed in 1980. Since 2013, it has functioned as a venue for exhibitions, performances, community events, and an off-grid sustainable living project. However, residents currently occupying the site are now facing eviction following a July 2024 enforcement appeal ruling in the council’s favor from the Planning Inspectorate. The ruling stipulated that residents must vacate within nine months.
Despite this, more than a year later, no enforcement action has been taken, prompting calls for urgent resolution. Councillor Hart has raised concerns at the council’s executive committee, held August 6 in Taunton, highlighting wasted taxpayer money and reputational damage if the situation remains unresolved.
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“The police have told me they are ready to assist with enforcement, but have not been called upon to do so,” Hart said. She also questioned the total legal costs incurred by former Mendip District Council and the current Somerset Council in pursuing the case against owner Chris Black and the Zig Zag Building, and whether the ordered partial reimbursement has been made following the Planning Inspectorate’s criticism of “unreasonable behaviour” that caused unnecessary expenses.
Hart has been a vocal advocate against unauthorised encampments, previously supporting a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in 2022 to tackle such issues near the site. She cited evidence from the inspector linking the presence of the site to patterns of anti-social behaviour and crime, including serious incidents. Hart stressed that the ongoing antisocial activity and the visual impact of roadside vans are deterring visitors and fostering community unease, urging updates on the potential reintroduction of a PSPO in Glastonbury.
Council deputy leader Liz Leyshon, representing a neighboring division, acknowledged some recent improvements at the site, crediting owner Chris Black for considerable clean-up efforts and ongoing communication with planning enforcement officers. She described the council’s “two-part approach” of continuing enforcement while collaborating on a revised planning application for a community facility with the Black family.
Leyshon confirmed that a written response regarding the legal costs would be provided but did not elaborate in the public meeting. Regarding the PSPO, she noted that a relevant executive director and local councillors are involved in discussions, with backing from local MP Sarah Dyke and the neighbourhood police team for additional measures to reduce antisocial behaviour, including street drinking.
In a forward-looking effort, Leyshon also mentioned upcoming meetings with Bristol City Council to explore “meanwhile sites” — temporary off-road accommodation solutions for travellers and others outside traditional housing.