Planning and conservation

Because windmills and watermills are such important elements of our national heritage, there are a lot of regulations and safeguards to protect them from harm. There are extra regulations for mills producing flour.

Download the resources below to understand planning and conservation legislation affecting mills. There’s also guidance on things like planning law and water rights.

If you’re looking after a mill in Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, please contact CadwHistoric Environment Scotland or the Ulster Architectural Heritage Society, respectively. 

 

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Resources

National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF)

This guidance document sets out government's planning policies for England and how they are expected to be applied.

Planning Applications Relating to Listed Buildings

All planning applications relating to listed buildings must comply with current legislation, as outlined in the Planning Act 1990. 

The Setting of Heritage Assets

Interested parties in any planning application must consider the wider setting of a historic building.

Rights and Responsibilities of Riverside Ownership

Read this Environment Agency guide to the rights and responsibilities of riparian land ownership. 

Bread and Flour Regulations

Those milling flour need to be aware of the Bread and Flour Regulations 1998, published by the government’s Food Standards Agency.