The case for not saying “NIMBY”
“We are committed to honest, open and respectful communications with the communities we are working in”.
A statement you’ll see from developers, construction companies and operators throughout the infrastructure industry.??
And yet if we are honest, everyone in this sector, myself included, will have said ‘NIMBY’ and rolled their eyes, when discussing those residents who oppose proposed development in their local area.???
First used in the 1980s, the term has become synonymous with a view of busy bodies, who oppose change and fail to see the big picture and wider benefits of developments on their doorstep.??
But the reality is a lot more nuanced.?
Whilst some NIMBYs may not engage with projects beyond objecting to them, the majority in my experience are highly engaged, will mobilise communities, scrutinise plans and participate in the planning process. As part of this, opposition groups may be formed, and a range of issues and concerns about how a project will impact the local environment, community, wellbeing and local people’s way of life identified. These areas of disagreement with a project are valid concerns and need to be understood by project teams.?
In this intensely political year, we see MPs and candidates search for issues which will help secure their election success. Local concern about infrastructure could be a prime opportunity for them. Only last week (15 May 2024) we saw a ministerial statement on solar farms , perhaps motivated by strong community opposition in some Tory seats where large scale solar development is being promoted???
Whilst easy to dismiss, it’s important for those in the infrastructure sector to take time to understand the public sentiment around infrastructure and how local residents may battle with the decision to be a NIMBY or a YIMBY.?
In partnership with YouGov, Cavendish has undertaken polling to understand public attitudes towards infrastructure. Our report looks at what type of infrastructure developments the British public would support in their area, the key concerns that the public has when it comes to hosting infrastructure, and who the public see as the blockers to the delivery of major projects.?
Surprisingly, only 42% of respondents felt directly impacted by this lack of infrastructure, highlighting a potential gap in public awareness regarding the tangible benefits of infrastructure development.??
Renewable energy, a key provision in the UK’s transition to net zero, saw overwhelming support with 87% of respondents expressing willingness to support solar development in their local areas and 73% supporting onshore wind initiatives. However, this potential advocacy remains largely untapped. The sector must explore ways to motivate these ‘Yes In My Backyard’ advocates and involve them more actively in the planning and implementation processes.??
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With the recent political interest around solar this week, interesting the support is very similar when comparing voters from the 2019 General Election the 84% for Conservative voters compared to 91% for Labour.??
When asked which infrastructure people would be happy to see brought forward in their area, new energy projects gained more support (35%) than the delivery of new schools and colleges, housing and improvement to rail infrastructure.???
While there is enthusiasm for infrastructure growth, concerns about ecological impact (41%) and strain on existing infrastructure (35%) were prominent. Another key concern was land use (32%), such as the loss of agricultural land to host infrastructure, with those outside London much more concerned about this than those living within the M25.??
Developers must take a proactive approach by understanding these varied concerns, providing clear explanations of all potential impacts, actively listening to community issues, and considering strategies to address these concerns effectively.??
It’s clear that both the sector and politicians must do more to effectively communicate how these developments positively impact individuals and communities as well as the wider story of national benefits such as net zero. By addressing these concerns and illustrating tangible benefits, we can bridge the gap between policy discussions and public sentiment.??
Another pressing issue is the increasing time it takes for major infrastructure projects to receive approval or refusal . Our polling suggests that government plays a significant role in these delays. Addressing these bottlenecks is crucial for expediting essential infrastructure projects and ensuring timely delivery for the benefit of communities nationwide.??
The results of our polling have made me challenge myself to drop the term NIMBY.? It puts us in danger of generalising and going into communities with the wrong mindset.?
Instead, I’ll continue to understand the complexities in the communities we work. To seek challenge from the public and accept that whilst we may know how to build a bridge, road, or power station, those that know the best way to integrate this into their communities are the people that will live with it long after we’ve been there.??
Download our YIMBY or NIMBY? Public attitudes toward infrastructure report here .
Written by, Olivia White | Director
The media trainer that helps you avoid being misquoted, misunderstood or misrepresented. My team will ensure you get value out of speaking to the press.
6 个月It's also worth communicating the realioty of the situation. A media training client of mine was involved in a major piece of infrastructure work which had provoked hostility from many of the local residents and indeed local authorities. The structure has been in place for over two years now and someone thinking of moving into the area asked the local Facebook group just how bad it was. "Oh, we've basically forgotten it's there except there are more jobs available," came the responses. Tapping into that reality so that people focus on that rather than their fears of how things might turn out has to be one way of addressing NIMBYism.