Plans submitted by Alford Manor House and Alford Windmill could attract more visitors to the Lincolnshire Wolds, says East Lindsey District Council
Planning applications have been submitted by two tourist destinations to attract more visitors to the Lincolnshire Wolds.
Alford Windmill and Alford Manor House hope that, if successful, it will be able to enhance its uses and the experience of guests.
The planning applications have been validated and will be assessed by planning officers after a public consultation with the local community and stakeholders.
A decision is expected in Autumn 2024 for both sites.
Each project comes after East Lindsey District Council secured £8m in ministry of housing, communities and local government funding to regenerate the facilities and ensure they have a financially stable future.
The £2.05m project at Alford Manor House would see a new permanent, flexible event space to replace the temporary marquee which has been in place since 2006.
It is hoped that the event space will give the attraction a function space for at least 100 people at all times of the year for special occasions such as funeral teas, concerts, weddings and craft market stalls.
The space would also allow access to the Manor House and the surrounding gardens.
Richard Quantrell, Alford Manor House Trustee, said: “The trustees and volunteers at Alford Manor House are pleased to see that the project of building a permanent event venue on our site to replace the marquee is moving forward towards the submission of a planning application.
“When completed, the new building will not only contribute to the financial viability of the Manor House but, with the repair of Alford Windmill and improvements on the windmill site, will make Alford a centre of heritage tourism for East Lindsey.”
Alford Windmill’s £1.1m scheme would create a visitor centre and holiday accommodation.
It will include a bakery, café, and shop in one of the pre-existing outbuildings to help support ongoing costs, maintenance, repairs, and conservation for the future of the windmill.
Eventually, the café would sell produce and bakery goods using flour milled on-site once the windmill is restored.
Plans have also been made to expand the car park, which could offer the potential for coach trips.
John Smith, Alford Windmill Trustee, said: “We are pleased to see that the project to reopen and develop the site for Alford Windmill has taken another big step forward, following the submission of the planning application.
“When the site has been completed, we can’t wait to open the redeveloped spaces for people to explore and enjoy, with the education centre for people to learn more about where their food comes from, a fantastic new holiday home for people to visit and a new bakery where visitors can sample quality local products. Alongside the improvements being made at Alford Manor House, we can help to improve the heritage and tourism offer in Alford.”
Cllr Graham Marsh, Portfolio Holder for Community Safety, Leisure and Culture and Carbon Reduction at East Lindsey District Council, added: “I am delighted that both schemes in Alford are moving a step closer with the submission of planning applications.
“Both applications are vitally important to the community of Alford as well as the wider district and so I am delighted that government funding will give a new lease of life and offer for visitors to come to the town and enjoy these facilities.
“Both plans have been put together in a way that respects the heritage of the sites as well as being ambitious to ensure they both have a financial stable future and are attractive to residents, visitors and holidaymakers who may want to visit.
“Please do take the time to read through the detail and share your views as part of the planning application consultation process.”