East Lindsey District Council has agreed to reallocate Government funding under the Lincolnshire Wolds Culture and Heritage programme to still benefit the Alford community after the council has had to pause its regeneration scheme for the windmill site.
The Council had got the site of Alford Windmill scheme to such a good redevelopment position that members unanimously voted to approve planning consent in October.
The project remains ready to go should the owners of the windmill, Lincolnshire County Council, be in a position to renovate it in the future, demonstrating East Lindsey District Council’s ongoing commitment to the Alford Windmill project.
The Council has obtained confirmation from Alford Town Council that it is willing to play a part in the management of the site when the repairs to the windmill have been completed but is unable to take on the responsibility for all future repairs to the windmill, as this would be beyond its financial means.
As Government money has to be used by March 2026, the Council has been left with little choice but to look again at how best to use the funding.
At Full Council (December 11, 2024), Councillors voted to support the reallocation of Government money to Alford Manor House, ensuring the funds remain in the town to benefit the community.
Hear from Cllr Graham Marsh
East Lindsey District Council had successfully applied for £8.1m of Government funding following a bid as part of the Lincolnshire Wolds Culture and Heritage programme to support the regeneration of three at-risk heritage sites – Spilsby Sessions House, Alford Manor House and the site of Alford Windmill.
The Council had developed a detailed regeneration plan, working alongside Alford Windmill Trust, for the site at Alford Windmill. The project aimed to extend the visitor offer and support the local economy with the creation of a visitor centre, bakery, café and shop as well as a two-bed holiday accommodation on the site of the windmill.
The Alford Manor House scheme also aims to extend the uses of the historic facility, helping it to be a year-round attraction.
In October, the Council successfully obtained planning permission to support the Manor House to develop a new function room to replace the temporary marquee, works to provide more exhibition and storage space for the Rural Life Museum and workshop, as well as improvements to the car park and building.
Hear from Alford Manor House Trustee, Richard Quantrell
Spilsby Sessions House is also part of the Cultural and Heritage Programme. Building condition surveys continue on site, ahead of a planning application to be submitted in the coming weeks.
The scheme includes major repairs to allow the building to reopen as a community-owned space and visitor attraction.