The Zig Zag Building and its adjoining car park on Morland Road, Northover, a notable feature of Glastonbury, is currently at the heart of a planning dispute.

The Local Planning Authority (LPA) issued two Planning Enforcement Notices to the owner and occupiers of the property in September 2023, alleging planning control breaches.

The building, once part of the Morlands factory, is now a hub for exhibitions, performances, and community gatherings, the Bauhaus-style building is also an off-grid project focused on sustainable living.

In November last year, Somerset Council issued enforcement notices against those living at the Zig Zag building, citing long-standing concerns over land usage and living conditions.

These enforcement notices demanded an end to unauthorised mixed land usage for storage and residential activities, along with the removal of caravans, steel containers and other miscellanea.

The landowner has contested these notices, appealing to the Planning Inspectorate, an independent governmental body, for a public inquiry.

This inquiry, spanning four days, is scheduled to start on 16 April 2024. It is expected to be held at the Council Offices in Shepton Mallet, though the exact location remains to be confirmed.

Those with views or information regarding the Zig Zag Building can submit written representations to the Planning Inspectorate, using the following details:

References: APP/E3335/C/23/3333353 and APP/E3335/C/23/3333354

E-Mail: [email protected]

Writing: Temple Quay House, 2 The Square, Bristol, BS1 6PN.

Telephone: 0303 444 5000

Submissions must be made by February 2, and all submissions will be shared with relevant parties unless withdrawn within the six-week window.

However, due to the volume of correspondence, individual acknowledgements from the Planning Inspectorate are not feasible.

An appeal guidance book is available from the government website or by contacting the Somerset enforcement team ([email protected])

You can review all the public appeal documentation at the Council Offices, Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, Somerset, BA4 5BT during the hours of 9.30am – 4pm Monday to Friday from Thursday 4 January 2024.

The decision on the future of the building is expected around 27 May 2024.