Biddulph could be amongst the first towns in the country to allow the replacement of shop fronts without the need for planning permission if new proposals are approved.

Biddulph Town Council is asking residents and businesses for their views on plans to introduce a Neighbourhood Development Order, relating specifically to shop fronts, and a Neighbourhood Development Plan setting out the policies that will guide development in the Biddulph Neighbourhood Area.

Councillor Dave Hawley, Chair of Biddulph Town Council Planning Committee, said: "Many people will have views about how they want to see Biddulph develop and we're pleased to be able to present these documents which, if approved, will guide how planning applications are determined.

"We're also excited to be proposing what we believe to one of only a few Development Orders across the country. In Biddulph, we're planning to give shops and businesses certainty about what they can do in relation to shop fronts without the need for planning consent but within agreed parameters - something that we hope they will find useful as we seek to recover from the impact of Covid.

"It's important that we make the right decisions for our town so we're now asking the people who live and work here what they think before making any final decisions and I would urge people to get involved during this consultation stage."

The public consultation starts today, Thursday 15 July, and runs until 6pm on Friday 27 August.

Documents relating to both the Neighbourhood Plan and the Development Order are available via Staffordshire Moorlands District Council's website here.

Councillor Edwin Wain, Cabinet member for Planning, Development and Property, at the District Council, said: "Decisions made about planning have a very real impact on local communities so I welcome these consultations on documents which could give people more say in how Biddulph develops.

"I would encourage everyone interested to read the documents and share their views so that the Town Council knows what local people think before it decides whether to go ahead with these proposals or not."

As well as being available online, the documents can also be viewed at:

- Biddulph Town Hall - between 9am and 1pm Monday to Friday and from 2 to 4pm on Monday and Tuesday

- Biddulph Library - at any time during normal opening hours

- Moorlands House, Leek - by appointment only. Call 0345 605 3013 to arrange.

Comments on both the Neighbourhood Plan and the Development Order can be made online here and here.

Alternatively, you can email [email protected] or write to Planning Policy, Staffordshire Moorlands District Council, PO Box 136, Buxton, Derbyshire, SK17 1AQ