Inquiry starts into community use of ex-factory

A public inquiry will examine alleged planning breaches at the ZigZag building in Glastonbury

A public inquiry has begun examining alleged planning breaches relating to the use of an historic building in Glastonbury.

The ZigZag building was once part of the Morland factory complex in the town, but is currently being used as a community and performance space.

Somerset Council has issued enforcement notices after expressing concerns about the building's new use, as well as the living conditions of those in the building.

The building's owners have appealed against the enforcement notices.

The building is being used as a community arts and event space

In the enforcement notices the council demanded:

• the unauthorised mixed use of the land for storage and residential use was stopped

• all caravans, steel containers, goods and chattels were permanently removed

• the land was restored to its original condition before the unauthorised material change of use

There is a retrospective planning application for various containers on the site, for "storage, workshops, galleries, and residential use", as well as for a caravan for residential use and one open-sided shed to serve as a workshop.

This permission has not yet been granted.

At the time, the owners of the land said on Facebook: "So many hands have helped shape the Zigzag into what it is today, from replacing ALL the glass windows, to sweeping the water out in the early days, to our Friday night community meals, where we would congregate no matter how cold it was.

"To where we are now, with art exhibitions, creative work spaces, helping people with the living crisis, Fabric of Life and of course some of our awesome events.

"Yes we are different, but that doesn't mean we should have to go. The Zigzag offers something that not really anyone else does and we need to treasure this, because once it's gone, it's gone."

The inquiry in Shepton Mallet will last four days and the council said it hoped to provide a written decision by the end of May.