Burnham Overy Windmill to be dismantled after years of neglect

The fan tail of the windmill removed in 2019 without consent

Dear Sirs,

I write as there is significant concern regarding the dismantling of Burnham Overy Staithe Tower Windmill. Planning application reference:

25/00377/LB | The aim of the proposed works is to repair and conserve the Mill in the short term whilst future uses are considered. The objectives of the project are to: - Temporarily remove the stock and sails. Store for future repair or replacement. - Temporarily remove the fantail stage and fantail (already removed) due to health & safety concerns - Temporarily remove cantilevered 1st floor walkway where partially collapsed and in a poor state of repair. - Remove modern internal ceilings, insulation and partition walling to improve air circulation through the Mill tower. - Reinstate ventilation grille in Fantail Stage Access Door where currently blocked - Repair the roof finishes to maintain weathertightness - Repair and redecorate windows | The Tower Windmill Tower Road Burnham Overy Staithe King's Lynn Norfolk PE31 8JB

The National Trust have put in a full application to remove all stocks and sails and  the first floor external walkway, weatherproof the building and then leave it to consider their options. The application states ‘restore and repair’ but in effect it is actually an application to ‘dismantle and store’ with no committed timeline for proper restoration.

 Over 60 people have objected to this application on the basis that the building is not being repaired and restored, but is in ‘managed decline’.

The building was given to the National Trust in 1959 with a large lump sum to facilitate repairs (including the replacement of sails). In 2019 the National Trust removed the fan tail, but failed to reinstate or make repairs.

In addition, The National Trust has not responded accurately to the Borough Council during a 2023 enforcement enquiry about the whereabouts of the illegally removed fan tail. The photograph above shows the recently discovered Fan Tail that was removed in 2019 (without consent) and stored on site. The National Trust had stated that this was stored in a dry weatherproof location during enquiries by the Borough Council.

The windmill in 2016

The National Trust now wishes to remove the sails and store those on site, rather than invest in restoration of the whole building. They have made no commitment to a timeline with only vague references, suggesting it will take 5 years to make a decision and all is ‘subject to funding.’

If this application is approved, the mill can legitimately sit for years with no sails. This is a National Landscape and an iconic grade II* listed building. It will have a significant impact on views throughout the area.

The National Trust is the custodian of this building, which is prominent and located in the North Norfolk Coast National Landscape. Having had many years to consider this iconic building, it feels as if the National Trust is effectively giving up on it. The building has not had a use since 2019, so this has already been an issue for six years.

Local people are rightly very concerned. Anyone who shares our concern has until 11 April to comment on the planning application.

Regards

Holly Smith