I attended a local councillor led run drop in session dedicated to the proposed new housing development sites in my local council's plans. The Government has challenged / mandated local authorities to increase new housing builds to cope with the rising housing need. Demands for housing have been increasing due to long-term failures by successive governments to build sufficient homes to meet demand. Other issues affecting the issue include:
Rising life expectancy
Immigration
One person households
The failure to keep up with demand has also affected existing house prices with the Average house now costing more than 10 times average salary.
One of the proposed sites is an area that my back garden backs onto. It is currently successful arable farmland as well as being a haven for wildlife with a very impressive Badger den. The beautiful view across the fields was indeed a factor in my choice when I bought the house. I saw myself enjoying sitting there with a cool drink relaxing on a nice sunny day.
When I first heard of the proposed plans my instant gut reaction was 'NOT IN MY BACKYARD' meaning that I'd become a NIMBY! In fairness I think I still am a NIMBY but potentially with less venom and determination. What has made me mellow?
The late 20th century proverbial saying ' Don't be part of the problem, be the solution ' comes to mind as I am a happily retired guy, I fit into the Rising life expectancy and one the person household problem groups. The saying essentially means that if you are involved in any way, you contribute either to the difficulties or to the means of solving them. In that respect I guess, I contribute to the difficulties.
The more I have thought about the issue the more I have realised that I have been unbelievably fortunate throughout my life without seemingly having too may obstacles. More luck than judgement is a fair way of summarising my good fortune. That and having incredible family and friends. When I see news reports of young families crowded together in inappropriate conditions I feel for them. Would me sacrificing having a beautiful view over farmland and fields be a sacrifice too far? Well I don't own the land and if I consider my behaviour since living in my house, I have enjoyed sitting at the end of my garden but have not done it any where near the amount I initially intended.
I've pondered how it might affect me. Nothing wrong in being selfish especially as I now realise I'm a NIMBY. The obvious downside is the loss of a beautiful vista should it be replaced with a housing estate. Then there's the noise and inevitable dust during construction and the ultimate increased noise once complete but as I suffer from hearing loss that's a lesser evil. Increased traffic may be an inconvenience but it would be al the end of my road rather than going past my house.
Sensible arguments such as what drain on resources would there be are not 100 per cent compelling. There is I believe adequate school provision nearby (definitely within walking distance), there are several national chains of supermarkets albeit the convenience size as opposed to the superstore size. There are local medical centres, libraries, vet practices, garages, cafes. The big issue I suggest is traffic as it is unlikely that the houses will be close to places of employment so it is likely that the number of cars will increase unless public transport links can be adequately expanded.
The drop in session was very useful and from what I saw, well attended. I am still a NIMBY at heart and hope deep down that someone else's backyard is affected. I highlight the impressive Badger set in the proposed land in the hope that the protection afforded these incredible creatures may in some way deter the decision makers from finalising the plan. That way I can relieve myself of the guilt of being part of the problem as opposed to part of the solution.
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