The dispute at a former sheep skin factory in Glastonbury raises questions about housing and community standards amidst local frustrations.
In Glastonbury, a notable conflict between a property owner and local authorities has unfolded over the Zig Zag site, a former sheep skin factory that has reportedly been transformed into a makeshift living space for squatters. Situated on the outskirts of the town, this site has become home to more than 20 residents, some of whom have lived there for as long as a decade.
The situation escalated when Somerset Council issued an enforcement order demanding that the squatters vacate the premises. The council deemed the site unfit for human habitation, setting a deadline for the end of March 2025 for the occupants to leave. However, despite this directive, Chris Black, the owner of the property, has publicly stated his refusal to evict the squatters, asserting that he does not want to make anyone “intentionally homeless.”
The 50-year-old Black, who has owned the Zig Zag site since 2013, has expressed dismay over the local authority’s decision to pursue legal action rather than seek a compromise, arguing that the council is squandering public resources on legal fees. “The council spent all this money on lawyers, and they even paid for a barrister which was just completely unnecessary,” Black remarked. He described the ordeal as an avoidable conflict, lamenting that the situation could have been addressed with “a bit more understanding.”
Currently, Black estimates that fewer than ten squatters remain at the Zig Zag site, down from an initial count of 23. He has acknowledged the support from the local community, which has facilitated the relocation of many residents, although some unable to move out still remain. Emphasising the human aspect of the situation, Black stated, “They are human beings and the council should treat them as such,” calling on local authorities to provide assistance in securing alternative housing for the remaining occupants.
Cognizant of the ongoing community tensions surrounding the site, local residents have expressed frustration with the presence of caravans lining their roads and disturbances at the location. In previous interviews, residents have shared their experiences, describing the area as once tranquil and beautiful until the influx of squatters disrupted their daily lives. Complaints of unsightly waste, health hazards, and inappropriate public behaviour have surfaced among those living nearby.
A Somerset Council spokesperson addressed the complex nature of the situation, confirming that the Planning Inspectorate had upheld the enforcement order, supporting the view that the Zig Zag site was unsuitable for habitation. In an effort to provide a broader solution beyond this particular case, the council has announced plans to develop a study that will explore potential sites across Somerset for designated temporary and permanent living accommodations, in consultation with the local communities.
While Somerset Council prepares actions to manage the situation systematically, the dynamics at the Zig Zag site continue to evolve, reflecting the interplay between the needs of the residents, property rights, and community standards in this unique part of Glastonbury.
Source: Noah Wire Services
- https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/05/06/glastonbury-hippy-camp-shoplifting/ – This article reports on the rise in shoplifting and tensions caused by a ‘hippy’ camp in Glastonbury, including issues related to the Zig Zag Building, which has been occupied by some of the squatters. It highlights community concerns and the broader impact on the local area.
- https://normalforglastonbury.uk/beckery-village-a-creative-hub-on-the-edge-of-glastonbury/ – This article details the transformation of the Beckery Village area, including the Zig Zag Building, into a creative hub. It mentions the site’s former industrial use and its current status as a community space, though there are differing views on its occupation.
- https://www.noahwire.com – This news source purportedly covers the conflict between property owners and local authorities over the Zig Zag site in Glastonbury, detailing the council’s enforcement order and the property owner’s stance on not evicting the squatters. However, actual content is not provided.
- https://www.kerrang.com/property-is-theft-a-history-of-punk-rock-and-squatting – This article explores the history of squatting in the UK, particularly in relation to punk culture. While not directly about Glastonbury, it provides context on the broader squatting movement and its cultural significance.
- https://www.gazette-series.co.uk/news/18812702.somerset-council-approves-plan-consult-local-communities-new-housing/ – Although not directly mentioned, Somerset Council news often discusses housing developments and community consultations. These initiatives could be relevant to addressing housing needs in areas like Glastonbury.
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
8
Notes:
The content includes a specific deadline date (March 2025) and current events, indicating it is relatively fresh. However, the situation might be ongoing or part of a longer-term issue.
Quotes check
Score:
6
Notes:
Quotes are included, but there is no confirmation of their original source or date. They appear to be recent statements but lack specific verification.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from the Daily Mail, a well-known publication, generally considered reliable for news coverage.
Plausability check
Score:
9
Notes:
The scenario described is plausible, involving known issues like squatter disputes and local authority interventions. The details align with typical conflicts in such settings.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is well-structured, includes recent dates, and is from a generally reliable source. While the quotes lack specific verification, the scenario’s plausibility and freshness suggest a reliable account of current events.
