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Utilities
In a notable shift in public sentiment, a recent poll reveals that Not In My Back Yard (NIMBY) groups, historically resistant to new developments, are showing significant support for housing projects that prioritize biodiversity. The data, collected by biodiversity tech firm Joe’s Blooms, suggests that integrating environmental considerations into development plans could be crucial in winning local backing for new homes, especially as governments strive to meet ambitious housing targets.
Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policies, which require developers to deliver a minimum 10% biodiversity improvement in their projects, have been highlighted as a key strategy to ease opposition to housebuilding. As the UK government targets the construction of 1.5 million new homes over the next five years, these environmental policies could play a decisive role in unlocking crucial NIMBY support.
A survey of over 14,000 people indicates that 75% of Brits believe new housing schemes should improve the natural environment by creating green spaces or habitat banks. This support is even more pronounced among those opposed to the government’s housing targets, with 84% of NIMBYs agreeing that developments should contribute positively to nature recovery[1][2].
Environmental concerns are a leading reason for local opposition to housebuilding, second only to increased pressure on local services and traffic congestion. Nearly half (49%) of self-declared NIMBYs cite the loss of green space or environmental damage as key factors in their resistance to local developments[1][3]. This indicates that BNG policies, by emphasizing local nature recovery, can directly address these environmental objections and potentially shift public sentiment in favor of new housing.
The poll also reveals a strong public preference for biodiversity improvements to be made locally rather than in distant areas. Over a third (36%) of respondents believe green spaces should be created in the local area rather than elsewhere, with this figure rising to 38% among those opposed to the government’s housing target and 40% among those against new homes being built near them[2][3]. This preference is particularly strong among affluent rural residents, often the most vocal NIMBY group, with 43% supporting local green space creation.
The findings suggest that BNG could be a game-changer in addressing anti-development sentiments by embedding nature recovery into housing policies. This integration not only benefits nature but also serves as a strategy to secure public support for new housing projects.
"BNG isn’t just beneficial for nature – it’s essential for gaining public support for new housing developments," noted Oliver Lewis, CEO of Joe’s Blooms. "To achieve its ambitious housebuilding targets, the Government must place BNG at the heart of its strategy," he emphasized, highlighting the need for a clear roadmap on how BNG will be integrated into the planning framework to ensure sustained momentum[1][3].
To leverage the potential of BNG effectively, governments and developers need to focus on creating green spaces locally and ensuring that environmental improvements are tangible and visible to communities. This approach aligns with public preferences for local nature recovery and can help mitigate concerns about environmental damage and loss of green areas.
The shift in NIMBY support towards environmentally-friendly housing developments is a promising trend that could unlock local support for new homes. By emphasizing biodiversity improvements and local nature recovery, governments and developers can address environmental concerns while meeting ambitious housing targets. As BNG policies continue to evolve, their role in securing public backing for future developments will be crucial.
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