A key decision was taken in 2024 agreeing for KCC to divest itself of the windmills and progress new ownership models.
As part of this KCC is asking interested community groups to come forward with proposals to take over these important features of Kent’s heritage.
The eight windmills in scope are 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.
Strongest proposals will show how they will maintain windmills as community assets with public access and community engagement, where that status already exists. They will also evidence how they plan to preserve the heritage significance; capability of maintaining the mill and technical skillset; set out a sustainable long-term plan; consider financial implications of this work and demonstrate how they will transfer the financial risk from KCC.
“We are looking for local community groups, trusts, parish councils, charities, social enterprises and other interested parties to take over the running of these important buildings...”
KCC’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Coastal Regeneration and Public Health, Jamie Henderson, said: “We are proud of our heritage and want to ensure our windmills are maintained exactly how they should be.
“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.
“We are looking for local community groups, trusts, parish councils, charities, social enterprises and other interested parties to take over the running of these important buildings steeped in centuries of history.”
“...this is an exciting opportunity for community empowerment and for the windmills to play an even greater role in their communities...”
KCC’s Deputy Leader, Brian Collins, said: “Like every local authority across the UK, KCC is having to make difficult decisions on how we manage our finances to ensure services are available for our most vulnerable residents, while keeping Kent moving and council tax low.
“However this is an exciting opportunity for community empowerment and for the windmills to play an even greater role in their communities with the prospect for groups to explore sponsorship, heritage grant funding, income generation and events.”
Email windmills@kent.gov.uk for information on how to submit a bid.
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