A historic windmill in Little Downham is set to get a new lease of life as the central feature of an impressive new development.

Ely Standard: Cornwell's Mill in Little DownhamCornwell's Mill in Little Downham (Image: Archant)

The Grade II listed Cornwell’s Mill, in Ely Road, was built in the mid 19th Century but is in a poor state of repair, long since past its working days, with no sails, windows or cap.

Plans have been submitted to East Cambridgeshire District Council by Mr and Mrs H Martin, of Wicken, who hope to transform it into part of a residential development.

The plans include designs for an environmentally friendly family house linked to the mill and a second smaller house also on the site.

There will also be a small stable yard and fenced riding area.

In their submission to the council, architects Freemar Brear said: “The top of the mill has been lost so it is proposed that the top edge of the masonry is altered to allow the creation of a viewing area associated with an internal mezzanine, which will offer views to the south, framing Ely Cathedral.

“The brickwork walls of the mill will be repaired and re-pointed, and the surface will be re-?nished in a tarred paint to replicate the original ?nish.”

Architects added that a flour-dressing machine had been discovered inside the mill, which would be removed and restored before taking up a new home at Burwell Mill, which is has also undergone a recent renovation.