A 200-year-old windmill could become a new home under plans submitted to a council.

If approved by Rutland County Council, the Grade II-listed building would be converted into a four bedroom house, made up of the renovated mill and a large extension.

Situated in a field to the north east of South Luffenham in Rutland, the windmill was first built in 1832 to grind corn, remaining in operation until 1908.

Once brimmed with internal machinery and topped with large turning sails, today only the conical structure survives. Despite falling into disrepair, the building has become a local landmark, achieving listed status with Historic England in 1984.

As a Grade II-listed structure, special permission must be obtained to demolish, alter or add any extensions to the building.

While the applicant has expressed a firm commitment to preserving the character of the windmill, the application also highlights an urgent need to confront the structure's condition before it falls into further disrepair.

"Without a viable and sustainable use, the long-term conservation of the building would remain uncertain," the application states.

An artist's impression of the proposed plans (image via planning application)

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"The proposed residential conversion therefore represents the optimum viable use of the heritage asset and provides the financial and functional mechanism necessary to secure its restoration and long-term preservation."

Under the plans, the windmill would be divided into three floors, accessed via a spiral staircase. The first floor would accommodate a bedroom, the second floor an ensuite bathroom while the third and highest floor would be converted into a study.

According to the application, care has been taken to design a contemporary interpretation of the historic roof cap, "without introducing speculative reconstruction or false historicism". No new sails are included in the plans.

Extending eastward into the field, the "contemporary yet sympathetic" extension would accommodate the remaining bedrooms, as well as a kitchen area, a library space and bathrooms.

The site of the home would be connected to Station Road via a short gravel track across the field, lined with trees.