Kent's heritage windmills offered to community

Kent County Council (KCC) has called on community groups to submit proposals to take over the running of eight windmills.

Chillenden mill, Drapers Mill in Margate, Herne mill, Meopham mill, Stelling Minnis mill, Stocks mill in Wittersham, West Kingsdown mill and Union Mill in Cranbrook are all Grade I or Grade II listed.

KCC said it is seeking proposals which secure a sustainable future for the buildings.

In a bid to save the £150,000 annual running costs, KCC took the decision in 2024 to hand over the running and maintenance of the windmills to special interest groups.

The council said proposals should demonstrate how they will maintain the windmills as community assets, preserve the heritage, and transfer financial risk from KCC.

Councillor Jamie Henderson, KCC's Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health, said: "It is crucial KCC secures a sustainable future for each of our eight windmills to ensure they remain well-cared-for community assets for generations to come."

The buildings were acquired by KCC between the late 1950s and the mid-1980s.

Deputy Leader Brian Collins said the decision to give up control of the windmills was "difficult" but necessary to "ensure services are available for our most vulnerable residents."

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