The modern town of Biddulph has its origins in the mining boom that accompanied the industrial revolution at the end of the Nineteenth Century. The closure of the mines by 1981 and the abandoning of the railway resulted in a decline in the economic prosperity of the town. This in tandem with changing shopping patterns has resulted in the town centre’s vitality and viability ebbing away.

The Masterplan for regeneration of Biddulph town centre was undertaken on behalf of the District Council in such a way that it could be formally adopted as an Area Action Plan (AAP) as part of the Local Development Framework. It was the first to be adopted in the country, having being given a “sound” rating by the Inspector considering it.

The AAP establishes an overall vision for significant change to take place over the next few years in order to reverse the town’s fortunes. The retail offer is to be expanded and new civic functions and housing introduced. This is to be complemented by landscaping works, including partial pedestrianisation of the High Street.

The AAP involved close community engagement and rigorous technical investigations. Proposals are underpinned by a robust strategy for delivery.

http://www.planningresource.co.uk/resources/bigIssues/
article/635016/Biddulph-takes-laurels-area-action-vision/