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The UK Housing Market: A Place of Your Own?

Will massive expansion of house building mean a return of the NIMBY?

The NIMBY was an acronym that became popular during the Thatcher Government, when the then Environment Secretary, Nicholas Ridley, accused those protesting against new development as being selfish. He mocked these people as being NIMBYs (Not In My Back Yard). Unfortunately for Ridley, he was subsequently found to be opposing a new development in his village. This rather defeated his case!

Would you oppose new developments in your 'backyard'? © iStock.com

The Campaign for the Protection of Rural England (CPRE) has been cautious to oppose this Government's new housing plans for fear of being accused of NIMBY-ism. But ministers are thought to be so concerned about prospective opposition that they have supported a coalition of groups against the NIMBY threat. The alliance comprises the following organisations:

• UNISON
• The Confederation of British Industry
• Shelter (the homelessness charity)
• The National Housing Federation
• The Commission for Architecture and the Built Environment
• Construction companies Wimpey and Bowden

Whether this coalition will be able to prevent protesters stalling plans for housing development remains to be seen. Of course, if a Government minister finds his or her home threatened by urban sprawl, things could get interesting.

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