David Cameron is right to challenge NIMBYism

The planning debate has reared its head again, and this time it’s personal. David Cameron is now calling on people to stop their ‘familiar cry’ of opposition to new housing so that he could end the ‘dithering’ and get homes built. Fraser Nelson called this ‘taking aim’ at NIMBYs, and we believe the Prime Minister was right to do so.

The principle of doing something to help the current generation who, even if they work and save hard, remain almost completely priced out of the housing market often gets nodding agreement. Yet when it comes to the solution – building more affordable homes – Shelter’s research shows that it’s overwhelmingly the wealthiest and most housing-advantaged who are most likely to actively oppose development. Further research shows 61 per cent of people believe more affordable homes are needed, but only 39 per cent support more homes in their local area. This uncomfortable truth needs to be told and the Prime Minister should be applauded for doing so.