Sails to return to historic windmill under plans

Historic Warwickshire landmark Chesterton Windmill is set for restoration after plans were submitted to replace its missing sails.

The Grade I-listed monument has overlooked the village of Chesterton for nearly 350 years and can be seen from several miles away.

It is proposed the new timber sails are to be slightly shorter, with clamps added for safety.

The old sails were removed in 2021 amid concerns about the risk their condition posed to the public.

In 2006, a visitor to the site was air lifted to hospital when a timber sail collapsed.

Site guardian Warwickshire County Council said the windmill was built between 1632 and 1633, probably by Sir Edward Peyton, former Lord of the Chesterton Manor House.

It was built from local limestone, with sandstone detailing on semi-circular arches at its base and a metal-lined dome roof.

The structure, a Scheduled Ancient Monument, is thought to be the earliest tower mill in England to retain any working parts.

According to a heritage statement submitted with plans, it ceased work as a mill in the 1910s and has been subject to numerous refurbishments over the years.

The design for new sails and stocks to mimic the historic working set was drawn up by Bonwick Heritage Consultancy.

The planning application also seeks to repair the monument's walls.

The council said a Scheduled Monument Consent application sent to Historic England in February had been approved.

An application to Stratford District Council for final approval for the works is due to be determined by 25 November.

Owlsworth Conservation was appointed as the main contractor for the refurbishment in May.

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