Toft Monks Mill revamp set for approval despite flood fears

The owners of Toft Monks Mill hope to restore the Grade II listed wind pump, which is located within Halvergate Marshes on Haddiscoe Island, to full working order.

Mr and Mrs Singer, the couple behind the project, also want to rebuild the engine shed and construct a two-bed home next door to the mid-19th century mill.

Toft Monks Mill in 1933 when it was in working order (Image: Broads Authority)

The 'humpback steam pump' is described as a "rare survivor" of its kind and although some parts are missing, officers say it is mostly in "sound condition".

Officials at the Broads Authority have recommended plans are approved but there has been backlash from the Environment Agency.

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What the revamp of Toft Monks Mill could look like (Image: Howes Designs/Broads Authority)

Staff there are worried it is in a high-risk flood zone - an area usually deemed inappropriate for residential homes.

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But the BA believes the benefits outweigh the flooding concerns as building the home will help provide a sustainable use of the site and secure the future of the mill in the Broads landscape.

The new owners plan to breathe new life into the old Toft Monks Mill (Image: James Bass)

Officers have recommended the scheme be approved with a number of conditions which include ensuring the restoration of the mill is completed before the home is built.

A final decision will be made by BA members at a planning committee meeting on Friday.

Views across Haddiscoe Island (Image: Newsquest)

NORFOLK'S SECRET ISLAND

Haddiscoe Island is located seven miles inland from the sea in the Norfolk Broads.

The three-mile square block of grazing land is surrounded by the New Cut and the Yare and Waveney before they unite at Breydon Water.

It can be reached by road, over the bridges at St Olaves and Haddiscoe, but access to most of the island is by farm track.

Janet Street-Porter is also thought to live on Haddiscoe Island (Image: PA Archive/PA Images)

Journalist and Loose Women star Janet Street-Porter moved to the island in 2019 revealing that she had relocated to Norfolk to live in "a ramshackle house miles from a road, surrounded by water, hares, marsh deer and free roaming cattle". 

Toft Monks Mill is not the only mill on Haddiscoe Island.

Earlier this year, Red Mill, which has been turned into a quirky home, went up for auction and was sold for £265,000 - £40,000 above the guide price.