‘NIMBYs’ incorrectly blamed by the Government for housing shortfalls

Letter published by the West Sussex County Times, 18 July 2024

Dear Sir,

‘NIMBYs’ incorrectly blamed by the Government for housing shortfalls even though developers reduce build-rates to maintain profit margins, and a million homes approved since 2015 have yet to be built.

Barratt Developments reports in its trading update for the year ended 30th June, published 10 July, that a “low order book and muted demand” has resulted in “a 28.5% decline in total completions”, and that this is due to a “challenging macroeconomic backdrop”.

This is a salutary reminder that to maintain profit margins in a falling market developers will reduce build-out rates irrespective of targets set by central government.

Note, too, the findings of TerraQuest, the operator of the Planning Portal, that more than a million homes approved since 2015 remain unbuilt. TerraQuest cites “high interest rates, skills shortages in the construction industry and materials shortages as ‘possible culprits’ for the disconnect between consents and completions” (Architects Journal, 28Jun24).

Meanwhile, Chancellor Rachel Reeves and Deputy Prime Minister and Secretary of State for Housing, Communities & Local Government Angela Rayner have chosen to side-step these realities by incorrectly blaming for housing shortfalls the NPPF and communities and people (denounced and cancelled by the ministers as NIMBYs) who object to inappropriate developer-imposed development.

In Sussex, when councils refuse applications to develop unallocated sites developers appeal and Planning Inspectors decide, and in most instances permit, especially where local plans are deemed to be out of date, irrespective of community concerns and opposition.

Unfortunately, the new Government has apparently accepted without question the self-serving arguments of the development lobby, with consequent ramifications for communities and the environment.

Yours faithfully,

Dr R F Smith