To shift from a NIMBY to YIMBY spirit, we need to stop framing development as a battleground
By Ed Houghton2024-06-05T05:30:00
Achieving the UK’s housing and net zero goals demands inclusive community engagement and innovative, cooperative planning, not divisive rhetoric, writes Ed Houghton
As the political parties set out their election policies, we’re hearing a lot about “building on the greybelt” and “pushing” housing development through planning. The UK desperately needs affordable new homes at scale – the country is missing its target by 100,000 a year according to the Home Builders Federation – and there need to be bold, creative approaches to deliver them. But the rhetoric and reporting around this often sets it up as a battle, as a “war on NIMBYs”. This language is far from useful.
To achieve net zero, things have to change rapidly - buildings, transport, behaviours, energy, and the way we heat and insulate our homes. We also need to look to new technologies and ways of doing things. People must have a voice in how their communities grow and are shaped through development – they are important stakeholders that developers and government must engage with. At its most effective, consultation and engagement can positively enhance planning to meet local needs.
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