Planning consultation rules should be changed to prevent ‘NIMBYs’ blocking much-needed new housing developments, a new report commissioned by Leeds Building Society has argued.
A report called The Case for Inclusive Planning which is authored by research group Public First argues that local authorities and developers should widen community consultation on developments if the country is to hit its housebuilding targets.
The report states: “A key issue is that the planning system is often dominated by vocal minorities who oppose new developments, often known as NIMBYs.
"These minorities tend to overshadow the needs and preferences of the wider community, many of whom are in favour of more housing. The current planning system places too much emphasis on these views, rather than ensuring that the perspectives of the entire community are fairly considered.
"This imbalance prevents the level of housebuilding needed to meet demand.”
The paper added the current system in which planning applications are opened to consultation but requires people to proactively submit comments has led to a situation where “the majority of respondents are over 55, disproportionately affluent and disproportionately likely to be home owners”.
It argues that hearing from a more representative cross section of voices earlier in the planning process – rather than only those opposed to individual schemes once they are drawn up – will create a fairer system that reduces barriers to homeownership.
The report highlights the success of the creation of a ‘citizens’ panel’ in Hutt City in New Zealand which proved to be “50 per cent more supportive of more housing than the traditional UK approach”.
