19 hours Ago
Visitors to the Norfolk coast have joined locals in condemning the National Trust's plans to restore a landmark windmill. The trust's proposals to repair Tower Windmill at Burnham Overy Staithe, near Wells , include removing its sails and placing them in storage prior to being refurbished. But they do not state when they will be replaced, leaving locals to fear they may not be.
Some 79 objections to the plans have now been posted on West Norfolk Council's planning portal, with many accusing the National Trust of neglecting the mill . Opponents include regular visitors to the coast as well as those living near the windmill. One objector from Derby posted: "The trust has allowed the deterioration to occur.
"The application does not give a commitment to a timeline to complete the necessary renovation." They add the fantail was removed without permission and should be reinstated. West Norfolk Council did investigate but decided not to take enforcement action .
Another poster, from High Wycombe, says they have regularly stayed in a cottage near the mill. "I strongly object to any question of not replacing the sails when the remedial work planned by the National Trust is finished," the holidaymaker posted. "It is a landmark on this part of the coast, with the sails particularly visible for a distance and a rarity, and not to replace them would be analogous to leaving a torso without limbs.
" One objector from Essex posted: "Without these important features being present, the prominence of the windmill will be much diminished for the period whilst they are removed." They add it will lead to lower visitor numbers because "no one wants to see a badly-maintained property". And another from London said: "Removing the sails and subsequent proposals are a plan for bringing the windmill down in stages, and not for its protection or restoration.
" The National Trust insists it is "committed to finding a long-term, sustainable use" for the mill..
