E-petition to save area surrounding windmill

The internet appeal will be officially launched this weekend to coincide with the 17th century landmark’s annual open days and, nationwide, the Heritage Open Days Scheme.

The petitioners claim that 3,000 houses planned for Gaydon and Lighthorne Heath - which will be visible from the viewpoint - will despoil its outlook and environment for ever.

The e-petition, on the Downing Street website, has already attracted around 1,100 signatures even before being officially announced, and has the support of Kenilworth and Southam MP and newly-appointed Attorney General Jeremy Wright.

Mr Wright said:”I remain concerned about both Chesterton Windmill which - as a Grade One Listed Building - is one of our most important national monuments, and its environment. The very positive response already to the e-petition, before it has even been officially launched, shows that many people, locally and nationally, feel the same.”

Campaigners are now in a six-month race against time to secure 100,000 signatures before the e-petition closes next March.

If they are successful in reaching their target it could trigger a Commons debate.

The petition’s author is retired local government officer Peter Reading, from neighbouring Lighthorne, who has lived in South Warwickshire all his life.

He says the 350-year-old building is under threat because of a plan by Stratford District Council to include the Gaydon and Lighthhorne Heath settlement in their Core Structure Plan.

It is due to be ratified and sent off to a Government planning inspector following a full council meeting on Monday.

Mr Reading said:”The effect of this plan on the setting of Chesterton Windmill will be extremely damaging.

“The attractive rolling countryside which extends to the southern horizon and forms the backdrop to the windmill will be blanketed with housing and the outlook lost forever.The windmill and its surrounding landscape setting are inseparably linked. Damage to one causes damage to the other.

“All avenues for individual objection to the plan have now been closed and concerns expressed for the effect on the windmill have fallen on deaf ears. The building is of national importance yet our local governing administration does not acknowledge its value. If the current plan were proposed for any other iconic monument, Stonehenge or similar, there would be a national outcry.”

“A significant response for the petition will demonstrate that people do care about Chesterton Windmill and that their voices should be heard.”