Plans to repair and protect The Tower Windmill in Burnham Overy Staithe

A historic coastal landmark could be repaired in a bid to protect.

A planning application has been submitted to West Norfolk Council by a Mr Houghton on behalf of the National Trust, seeking to carry out works to repair and conserve The Tower Windmill in Burnham Overy Staithe.

The work would aim to provide a short-term solution while future plans are considered.

The six-storey windmill, which was built in 1816, is a surviving example of a brick tower mill. It is a significant landmark on the A149 coastal road and its presence is important both architecturally and as part of the agricultural and industrial heritage of the village.

If given the green light, the objectives of the projects will be to temporarily remove the stocks and sails and store them for future repair or replacement, as well as temporarily remove the cantilevered first-floor walkway where it has partially collapsed and is in a poor state.

The project would also consist of removing the modern internal ceilings, insulation and partition walling to improve air circulation through the mill tower, reinstating the ventilation grille in the fantail stage access door where it is currently blocked, repairing the roof finishes to maintain weather tightness, and repairing and redecorating windows.

A design and access statement prepared by Wright Consulting states where the structurally poor condition of the first-floor walkway has been damaged by sections falling from the fantail stage, 12 bays of the walkway from the north-east corner of the tower will be removed, some of which have already collapsed.

This will remove access to the windmill through the window and doors at first-floor level. The remaining walkway and staircase would be left in place and propped as needed.

The statement says: “The temporary removal of the remaining elements of the fantail stage, the stocks, sails and walkway will have a significant visual impact on the windmill but it is proposed this will be only temporary, circa five years whilst a permanent reuse of the building is considered.

“The temporary removal of these items will prevent further damage to the mill due to deterioration and wind damage.”

The removal of the stocks and sails is partially due to potential damage to the windshaft and curb during high winds.