Residents outraged after Burnham Overy Staithe windmill’s fantail ‘dumped’ amid National Trust’s revamp plans

Villagers have been left outraged at the National Trust amid claims that the fantail of a historic windmill was “dumped”.

Residents in Burnham Overy Staithe are concerned that the sails of Tower Windmill – a Grade II-listed building – have been removed with “no commitment for re-instatement”.

A planning application was submitted around two weeks ago to West Norfolk Council by the National Trust, seeking to carry out works to repair and conserve the windmill.

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

The objective of the project is to temporarily remove the stocks and sails and store them for future repair or replacement, as well as temporarily remove the first-floor walkway where it has partially collapsed.

However, Burnham Overy Parish Council hosted a public meeting on Monday night where members voted to object to the removal of the sails.

Holly Smith, who lives in Burnham Thorope, has claimed that in 2023, enquiries were made after the fan tail was “illegally removed” from the windmill by the National Trust.

She said the trust made assurances that it was stored in a dry and safe location ready to be re-fitted - but this week, the fan tail was found “dumped” at the site.

Holly said: “This weekend, a member of the public found the fantail dumped at the windmill site – despite the National Trust saying it was stored securely and undercover.

“It has now been ruined and could no longer be re-fitted.

“Local people are outraged that this has happened. Many of us have long local connections. Lots of people have worked and stayed in the windmill over the years.

“Our children have used it with their Scout groups. I was born in Burnham Overy and my family and many families have connections to the mill.”

Ms Smith said she and other residents feel the mill has been “neglected” over a long period of time and are worried that once removed, there are no concrete plans to reinstate the sails.

She added: “There is no timescale to refitting the sails and it all says ‘subject to funding’. They say they have been seeking funding since 2020.”

Meanwhile, other residents have made their views clear on the West Norfolk Council planning application portal - where 53 public comments have been made.

One comment said: “The National Trust's stewardship of this Grade II-listed building has been a disgrace. Despite the Trust's obligation to maintain this major landmark building, the organisation has let it fall into rack and ruin.”

Another member of the public stated the fantail is now “overgrown with brambles.”

“This is unacceptable, and gives me no confidence that the fantail will be mended and replaced as it should be,” they added.

In response to the fantail being left on sit, the National Trust has said that it is not in a condition to repair or reinstate.

A spokesperson told the Lynn News they are currently seeking listed building consent to repair and conserve the windmill.

“Due to the specialist millwright skills required and the costs involved, we are undertaking these repairs on a phased basis, with the most pressing conservation work taking place by early 2026,” they said.

“This will include making the cap water-tight, improving ventilation in the building and the temporary removal of the sails, which will enable us to safeguard the building whilst plans are drawn up for further conservation work.”

The spokesperson added that the National Trust “remains committed to finding a long-term, sustainable use for this Norfolk landmark”.

Tower Windmill was previously used as holiday accommodation, which closed in 2020 due to pandemic restrictions.

“Due to changes in fire regulations and dampness problems, which are largely due to issues around the breathability of the façade, the Trust has not been able to re-open the building in the same capacity,” the spokesperson said.

“Since then, we have been carrying out surveys and planning our next steps.”

The Trust is working with a specialist millwright and conservation structural engineer to make a full assessment of the condition of the sails.

This will determine the extent of any removal, together with how long they may need to be removed for.

The spokesperson said: “The fantail was removed and reinstated previously in 2005, as part of the last major refit/repairs.

“It was finally removed in 2019 due to rotting - it’s not in a condition to repair or reinstate.”