Ramsgate resident prosecuted for failing to protect a listed windmill

Thanet District Council has successfully prosecuted a Ramsgate resident who failed to comply with a Listed Building enforcement notice relating to Sarre Windmill. 

On Thursday 20 February 2025, Hayley Baldwin, the current owner of Sarre Windmill, was convicted at Margate Magistrates’ Court. She was found guilty of failing to reinstate the windmill’s sails, despite having been issued with a Listed Building enforcement notice in November 2022. 

Ms Baldwin was ordered to pay a fine of £3,000, costs of £2,700 and a victim surcharge of £1,200, totalling £6,900.

Thanet District Council will take formal enforcement action where serious breaches of planning control have occurred. This includes where owners have failed to stop listed buildings from falling into disrepair. 

Sarre Windmill is a Grade II listed smock mill in Sarre, Kent and was built in 1820. Formerly restored and working commercially, the mill is now closed.