The Biddenham Society was founded by a group of concerned residents in 1965 with three main purposes:
- to stimulate interest in, and care for, the beauty, history and character of the village and its surroundings;
- to encourage the preservation, development and improvement of features of general public amenity and historic interest; and
- to encourage high standards of architecture and village planning.
Consequently the scrutiny of planning applications relating to the village and the immediate surrounding area has always been central to its activities, and the responsibility taken very seriously by successive committees.
It remains a slightly unique organisation with few parallels elsewhere. An Annual General Meeting with ploughman’s lunch is held in the village hall in early November, and is always well supported. The AGM is an opportunity to review all planning matters affecting the village and enables residents to raise any matters of concern. In addition, an occasional column in the monthly Biddenham Loop helps to keep them up to date on current issues and encourage support when it is needed.
Over the years, responses opposing applications have always been drafted with great care resulting in the society being designated a formal consultee of the planning authority and the planning officers holding its views in good regard. Recent changes in planning law now offer greater opportunities for local communities to shape their own environment, and if sufficient residents are opposed to a development then the planning authority is expected to give this fact substantial weight when deciding whether or not to approve it. This could be helpful to the village, not just for large scale proposals aimed at capturing our remaining farmland, but also for preserving those important smaller green spaces which help to give Biddenham its unique character.
To commemorate its Golden Jubilee in 2015, the society created The Biddenham Heritage Trail which offers walkers various options for enjoying the beauty of our village. In a parallel unique venture the society also sponsored a Junior Trail created by the children of St James’ Lower School. Maps of the optional routes are published on this website, and a supply of printed copies maintained in the entrance porch of the village hall and other village venues.
Update to the Society’s remit
As the plans for significant development decline following the building of almost 3,000 houses around the village, the Biddenham Society is amending its remit. It is considering how it can liaise and work with other village organisations, develop its areas of expertise from which others can benefit and, most importantly, collectively provide an increased benefit to the community and village as a whole. The overall outcome of this is to provide a means by which the village, including the new estates, are stimulated into being a community of young and old, both long term and new residents, where we are able to shape our community and environment together.
The Biddenham Society is therefore adopting new objectives:
- To be a key voice for the beauty, history and character of the village and its surroundings, preserving and improving its features of general public amenity, and encouraging high standards of architecture and village planning in Biddenham;
- To develop and strengthen community cohesion;
- To encourage the active involvement of all age groups in the development and implementation of community interests;
- To collaborate with residents and local stakeholders to address community challenges; and
- To promote active participation in local change.
We are, of course, open to all ideas and look forward to engaging with other groups in the support of our community and helping shape its development.
Further information is available from the chairman Will Jenkin.
Contact
Will Jenkin