Plan to convert windmill to homes

Owner Barry Lee has applied again to Arun District Council to convert the landmark building to form four separate dwellings.

His latest scheme includes a revised entrance layout, garaging, associated parking and garage for the site's existing dwelling.

A statement issued on Mr Lee's behalf with his latest application says the proposal is the only way the historic windmill, a grade II listed building, can survive.

It says: 'It's considered that by permitting the proposed redevelopment of the listed building to that of residential will, through investment and occupation, ensure that the mill together with its outbuildings will have an economically viable use for the foreseeable future.

'The proposed application for residential development means the continued viable occupation needed to ensure the continued conservation and long-term future of the mill and all of its outbuildings.'

Mr Lee bought the mill in late 1994. He spent 350,000 restoring the 1829 building, holding occasional open days and creating a tearoom and function rooms on the site which became popular community meeting places.

But a row over parking for customers led him to close the tearoom in September 2005. He also shut the mill.

He withdrew his initial application for planning permission last August for a residential conversion of the mill before councillors could decide the matter.

The current plans for the 950sq m site will see the mill remain intact with the stocks and fantails installed by Mr Lee kept. These features give the mill its distinct traditional appearance.

The statement comments: 'The proposed development retains all of the architectural features, both external and internal, by keeping them in the new design for the building.'

If the change of use goes ahead, the access from Yapton Road to the Mill House and Parsonage Farm will be enhanced to make it safer for everyone's benefit, it states. Other options for the mill's future have been considered by Mr Lee. One was to buy Mill House to create an independent car park but the building's owner is unwilling to sell.

Any chances of changing the use of the mill to a craft shop or office accommodation will fail because of the lack of parking and the impact of traffic in and around the site.

Mr Lee has also applied to the district council for listed building consent to carry out the conversion.

l New outline plans for a block of 18 flats '“ 15 two-bed and three one-bed '“ on Elm Dale, Elm Grove South, Barnham, have been submitted to Arun District Council by Leasehold Management Ltd with the provision of an extra parking area from last year's original scheme.