Burnham Overy Windmill cordoned off as repairs begin

There are serious concerns over the condition of Burnham Overy Staithe Windmill, between Brancaster and Wells.

The National Trust, which owns the Grade II listed tower mill, says its fanstage platform could collapse in high winds and an "emergency removal" of the structure is now under way.

Fencing has been placed around the windmill at Burnham Overy Staithe (Image: Chris Bishop) "Tower Windmill at Burnham Overy Staithe is a landmark on the Norfolk coast and a building we greatly care about," it said in an online statement. "However, it is currently in need of extensive repairs."

Once the platform has been removed, the next phase of work will be focused on making the cap water-tight and improving the ventilation throughout the windmill.

"These measures, together with repairs to the roof covering of the extension part of the building to the side of the windmill tower, are intended to alleviate problems associated with water ingress and damp in the building," added the NT.

Part of the platform at the top of the windmill is being removed over fears it could collapse in high winds (Image: Chris Bishop) The final phase of the work, planned for next year, includes repairs to the sails, which may need to be removed.

Once repairs are completed, the NT said it would decide how the mill, which was formerly a holiday let, might be used in the future.

"We are exploring all options in order to make the conservation and repair of the windmill financially viable," it said.

Fencing and warning signs at the base of the windmill (Image: Chris Bishop) The NT has told Burnham Overy Parish Council the mill has been fenced off to ensure staff and contractors are not at risk on site.

MILL'S TWO CENTURIES OF HISTORY 

The six-story tower mill was built to harness the power of coastal winds in 1816.

It ground corn for a century until it was sold in 1926 to Cambridgeshire architect Hugh Hughes, who converted it into a holiday home.

In 1957, the mill was restored with a new cap, platform and sails.

The windmill pictured in 1958 when it was given to the National Trust (Image: Archive)

The building was given to the NT in 1958. In 1978, the trust published plans to restore the mill to working order.

But the proposals, which included converting part of it into a shop and adding a car park, were turned down after the county council said the roads around it could not cope with an influx of visitors.

New sails were fitted in 1985. In recent years, the building has been used as a holiday let.