Sussex site for eco-windmill?

12:50pm Thursday 26th June 2008

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Environmentalists are hoping to turn a windmill into a turbine.

Argos Hill windmill in Mayfield, near Crowborough, would be used to generate sustainable electricity.

The scheme to convert the 170-year-old mill is still in its early stages but has the support of owner Wealden District Council.

Terry Crone, the council's head of corporate assets, said: "The council will look at any available opportunity to bring the windmill back into good condition and to be of benefit to the community.

"It is part of that process that we have agreed to support the plans of Transition Mayfield."

The future of Argos windmill was in doubt earlier this year when the council looked at dismantling it to save money in maintenance costs.

The mill was rescued at the 11th hour when volunteers came forward to set up a charitable trust for its restoration. The council supported the scheme with almost £50,000.

The electricity proposals have received a mixed response.

Brian Pike, chairman of Friends of Argos Hill Windmill, said: "I'm not against the idea but there are a number of areas that need ironing out.

"Old post windmills are not ideal for this sort of thing and it means considerable alterations to the mill to produce about 20% electricity.

"On the other hand we're having trouble raising funds at the moment and it might be a means of getting the money.

"One of the biggest problems we might face is convincing the landowners around the mill.

"It's got to get their agreement if it's to go ahead. It's very early days yet."

Peter Hill, chairman of the Sussex Mills Group, was less than enthusiastic.

He said: "It's stupid. How do you convert an old windmill into a turbine? It's a bit of a pipe dream really.

"Anything to preserve an old windmill is good but I don't think this is the way to do it."

The current scheme was thought up by Transition Mayfield, an organisation which promotes the use of locally sourced produce and energysaving measures and works towards sustainable living.

The council has offered to support the scheme in the planning and environmental regulatory stages.

Transition Mayfield plans to focus on improving the village's environmental behaviour, food and energy.

So far it has promoted self-sufficiency through the use of allotments.