Latest news with #Nimbys
Scotsman
4 days ago
- Politics
- Scotsman
Readers' Letters: Why ruin land for power we don't need?
Readers says it's too easy to call people protesting about wind farms 'Nimbys' Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Reporter Katharine Hay is wrong to describe rural wind farm opponents as Nimbys (4 June). The question is more fundamental, involving the wholesale transformation of rural communities into industrial wastelands. By and large rural communities care and are involved in all the things that visitors to the countryside enjoy, all the things that are said to be good for mental health and general wellbeing. If we wanted to live in the town, we would do so. Most importantly, the data clearly shows – beyond doubt – that enough renewable developments have already been built or consented to cover both Scotland's peak electricity demand in 2050 and the full export capacity to England, so why do we need more developments, especially in areas which require long distance transmission to areas of demand? Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Madness is said to be doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different outcome. We have been building wind farms for 30 years now and I defy anyone to identify any impact upon climate change which, if anything, is accelerating. Enough rural windfarms to supply Scotland's energy needs have been built or consented to, says reader Christopher H Shaw, Glentrool Forest, South Ayrshire Unworthy of name Sir Keir Starmer's first name was given to him in memory and honour of the great Keir Hardie, one of the major founders of the Labour Party. Its main objective was to get better pay for working people and alleviate poverty. Why, then, does the UK Government still employ Ed Miliband as Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change whose policies are costing this nation, with a negligible greenhouse gases output, trillions? Poverty, hunger and inadequate funding of education, infrastructure and defence still abound. Charles Wardrop, Perth Poll dancing Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Alan Hinnrichs is uncharacteristically coy in avoiding providing evidence for his claim that support for Scottish secession stands at 59 per cent (Letters, 4 June). Would this be from a poll whose panel enthuses about the 'rewards' its members receive for participation? Would it be from a poll that discounts 'don't knows'? Or would it be from an internet poll run by a separatist party or newspaper? Perhaps it is simply as fanciful as the rest of his material. As they used to say in Private Eye, I think we should be told. Jill Stephenson, Edinburgh Gaza despair What appalling, deeply distressing scenes were screened on Channel 4 News on Tuesday, with people in Gaza desperate for food being mown down by Israeli Defence Force bullets. Former UK Supreme Court senior judge Lord Sumption, interviewed on the programme, said he believed Israel was committing gross breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza by killing on an indiscriminate scale. He also opined that genocide was the most plausible explanation for what was taking place. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gaza is now in ruins, with most of its infrastructure, hospitals, schools and other public buildings shattered beyond repair. People are starving, hundreds are being slaughtered every week and children are suffering unimaginable horrors. Why are our Labour MPs not up in arms? How can they watch this deteriorating catastrophe every night on TV news and do nothing? Why is Scottish Secretary Ian Murray not leading a delegation to Westminster to demand we stop supplying Israel with arms as of now? I truly despair! Alan Woodcock, Dundee Missed opportunity Peter Stevenson makes no reference to the Abraham Accords between Israel and some Arab states following the former's peace agreements with Egypt and Jordan in his article on Israel (Perspective, 5 June). By early October 2023 the Israeli/Saudi Arabia Accord negotiations had progressed well and reportedly were close to agreement. Had they been finalised, the whole situation in the Middle East would have been transformed, and Iran's malign influence significantly weakened. On 7 October it was immediately obvious the Hamas invasion (almost certainly supported by Iran) was to sabotage any Saudi/Israeli rapprochement. The Saudis hate Hamas too, but fell into that trap by suspending the negotiations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hamas also assumed, rightly, Israel would react with massive military action, and that any sympathy and support for Israel in the West would diminish, the longer such action continued. The inevitable deaths of its own Gaza population and destruction of infrastructure were of little consequence to the Hamas leadership, so it had to ensure Israel's reaction was not quickly successful; and Israel fell into that trap too. It struck me then that Israel could have announced to the UN that the 1,450 brutal murders and kidnappings proved how necessary the talks with the Saudis were for long-term peace in the region; and called on the Saudis and friendly Arab neighbours to help finalise the talks without delay, to condemn unequivocally the Hamas actions and murders, and to join Israel's efforts in isolating Hamas (and by extension Hezbollah and Houthis) and supporting the moderate Palestine leadership. Preferably with such wider agreement, Israel could also have cut the water, power and other supplies to Gaza, but promised immediate reinstatement if all 252 kidnapped hostages were freed, alive and well, within, say, 14 days – failing which, robust military action as permitted by the UN and international law would follow. Was that feasible, or merely naive? At least Israel would have retained the moral high ground and support of its traditional allies for longer than it has done in the last 20 months. John Birkett, St Andrews, Fife Iran ignored Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad I refer to the article by Stephen Gethins MP, 'Why West can't let Israel continue to flout international law as Gaza suffers' (Perspective, 31 May). He gives views and comments on the hideous situation in Gaza, but nowhere in his full page article is Iran mentioned. A lot of us struggle to fully understand the full context of what has and continues to happen. This is not helped by omitting to even mention Iran's role in all of this. I suggest Mr Gethins revisits the issue and opine on what Israel should do given the reality of what they are facing. Roy McCluskey, Liberton, Edinburgh Tired teachers The Scotsman highlights the pressure teachers are under regarding workload. Following an EIS teachers union survey at least 10 per cent of teachers reported working the equivalent of two days extra per week unpaid and 40 per cent reported working an extra 7 hours per week, again unpaid. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Teachers are expected to work a 35-hour week with a maximum of 22.5 hours devoted to class contact, and that equates to an average of approximately two thirds teaching and one third set aside for preparation and other essential tasks, such as marking course work. On the surface, class contact versus preparation balance appears reasonable and 50 per cent of teachers appear able to work within those parameters. However, it would appear a substantial number of teachers require more time and it would be worth further investigation to understand why. As an aside, we are aware the SNP, in their previous election manifesto, suggested a 1.5 hours reduction in class contact per week to allow extra time for preparation etc. Of course, this hasn't been implemented due to other priorities; however, this did suggest there were pressures on teachers that needed to be recognised and the EIS survey result indicates that more research should be done to prior to implementing such a change. A Lewis, Coylton, Ayrshire Spot on, Billy When Billy Connolly called Holyrood a 'wee pretendy parliament' many years ago, this was generally taken as a barbed reference to the place where the less well gifted intellectually could make a pretence of being serious politicians. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The recent stramash with presiding officer Alison Johnstone appearing to lose her equilibrium over remarks made by MSP Douglas Ross tends to prove the comedian's point. People with the mindset of the PO that was displayed to all should not be doing that job. It is as simple as that. I am not sure she understands what being neutral means. Many Scots are showing signs of having had enough. Rather than the incessant SNP calls for a referendum on breaking up the UK, perhaps the continuing existence of Holyrood would be infinitely more relevant to the people of this country. Alexander McKay, Edinburgh Not missing lynx The proposed introduction of the lynx to our countryside, reminds me of advice given when I suggested taking a walk in Californian woodland. 'Sure,' said my host… remember to take your gun.' Those walking here should be similarly equipped if the introduction of wild species proceeds. Wolves have also been suggested. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad These creatures are not jolly Disney characters. They are dangerous wild animals. Malcolm Parkin, Kinnesswood, Kinross Write to The Scotsman
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nimbyism on the rise in blow to Rayner's building blitz
Nimbyism is on the rise across Britain, new figures suggest, in a blow to Angela Rayner's hopes of kickstarting 'the biggest building boom in a generation'. The number of people identifying as Nimbys is estimated to have grown by almost a third since the Government stepped up its anti-Nimby rhetoric in late 2024, according to the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and Demos, a cross-party think tank. Polling shows that 23pc of people now class themselves as Nimbys, up from the 17.5pc recorded in a survey by Labour Together in September last year. The report warned that the rise in local resistance to developments risked hindering Ms Rayner's ambitions to build 1.5m homes by the end of this Parliament. The Housing Secretary has repeatedly vowed not to tolerate Nimbyism, pledging to end their 'chokehold' on housebuilding. Writing in The Telegraph in December, Ms Rayner, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said Nimbys would 'no longer have the upper hand'. Under proposed reforms, builders will be allowed to sidestep council planning committees, while campaigners will be blocked from making repeated legal challenges against major infrastructure projects. Sir Keir Starmer has echoed promises to stop developments being held up, saying in January that he would override the 'whims of Nimbys' against major building projects and back the builders, rather than the 'blockers'. However, researchers from RTPI and Demos said: 'Far from driving support, the Government's current combative tone could be dangerously backfiring. 'This poses a risk to the Government's ambitious housebuilding target and potentially their electoral strategy too if they face increasing local opposition.' They added that only 12pc of people felt they had a say over the outcome of planning decisions, pointing to risks that the Government's 'enthusiasm to drive forward building could fuel further mistrust'. The report shows that 67pc of the British public identify as Mimbys – 'Maybe in my backyard' – representing those who are open to new developments in their areas under the right circumstances. Just 10pc identify as Yimbys, or 'Yes in my backyard'. Victoria Hills, chief executive of the RTPI, said that trust could be rebuilt between local communities and the Government if they were involved in the planning process at an earlier stage. Ms Hills said: 'Through effective community engagement, the majority of people would accept housing near them. 'If our members, and the authorities they work with, are given the time, space and expertise to engage early enough in the process, then we would find that housing across the country is delivered with the support of the local communities, not despite them.' Polly Curtis, chief executive of Demos, said: 'Cutting the public out of the conversation like they are red tape will lead to more legal challenges and friction down the line. 'Instead, early and representative public participation will properly engage the Mimby majority, giving that silent majority a voice and helping to unlock housebuilding. 'This is a risk-reducing and time-saving strategy, and one that will help build trust in Government.' Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Nimbyism on the rise in blow to Rayner's building blitz
Nimbyism is on the rise across Britain, new figures suggest, in a blow to Angela Rayner's hopes of kickstarting 'the biggest building boom in a generation'. The number of people identifying as Nimbys is estimated to have grown by almost a third since the Government stepped up its anti-Nimby rhetoric in late 2024, according to the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) and Demos, a cross-party think tank. Polling shows that 23pc of people now class themselves as Nimbys, up from the 17.5pc recorded in a survey by Labour Together in September last year. The report warned that the rise in local resistance to developments risked hindering Ms Rayner's ambitions to build 1.5m homes by the end of this Parliament. The Housing Secretary has repeatedly vowed not to tolerate Nimbyism, pledging to end their 'chokehold' on housebuilding. Writing in The Telegraph in December, Ms Rayner, who is also the Deputy Prime Minister, said Nimbys would 'no longer have the upper hand'. Under proposed reforms, builders will be allowed to sidestep council planning committees, while campaigners will be blocked from making repeated legal challenges against major infrastructure projects. Sir Keir Starmer has echoed promises to stop developments being held up, saying in January that he would override the 'whims of Nimbys' against major building projects and back the builders, rather than the 'blockers'. However, researchers from RTPI and Demos said: 'Far from driving support, the Government's current combative tone could be dangerously backfiring. 'This poses a risk to the Government's ambitious housebuilding target and potentially their electoral strategy too if they face increasing local opposition.' They added that only 12pc of people felt they had a say over the outcome of planning decisions, pointing to risks that the Government's 'enthusiasm to drive forward building could fuel further mistrust'. The report shows that 67pc of the British public identify as Mimbys – 'Maybe in my backyard' – representing those who are open to new developments in their areas under the right circumstances. Just 10pc identify as Yimbys, or 'Yes in my backyard'. Victoria Hills, chief executive of the RTPI, said that trust could be rebuilt between local communities and the Government if they were involved in the planning process at an earlier stage. Ms Hills said: 'Through effective community engagement, the majority of people would accept housing near them. 'If our members, and the authorities they work with, are given the time, space and expertise to engage early enough in the process, then we would find that housing across the country is delivered with the support of the local communities, not despite them.' Polly Curtis, chief executive of Demos, said: 'Cutting the public out of the conversation like they are red tape will lead to more legal challenges and friction down the line. 'Instead, early and representative public participation will properly engage the Mimby majority, giving that silent majority a voice and helping to unlock housebuilding. 'This is a risk-reducing and time-saving strategy, and one that will help build trust in Government.' Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
John Lewis gets green light to build hundreds of flats after appeal
John Lewis has won permission to build hundreds of new flats in west London after a successful appeal to the government inspector. The retail giant has been given the green light to build 423 new rental homes on top of its existing Waitrose store in West Ealing after officials approved the project despite opposition from locals. It comes almost two years after John Lewis Partnership (JLP) submitted a planning application for the development. The retailer launched an appeal to the Planning Inspectorate last summer after West Ealing council failed to make a decision on whether to approve the flats. Locals had been pushing for the scheme to be rejected, with campaign group Stop The Towers criticising John Lewis for ignoring concerns over the height of the tower blocks. It branded the 'arrogance of JLPs development team [as] breath-taking'. Stop The Towers also opposed John Lewis at the planning inquiry. The decision by a government inspector to side with John Lewis over the development comes as Labour races to get more new homes built. The party pledged in its manifesto to deliver 1.5m more houses in the next five years. In February, Angela Rayner, the Housing Secretary who is overseeing the development drive, said there were 'no excuses to not build those homes that people desperately need'. She has pledged to speed up the planning process and said Nimbys 'no longer have the upper hand', promising to end their 'chokehold' on housebuilding. John Lewis said its rental home development would be in line with Labour's plans to get more houses built near commuter train stations to kickstart economic growth. Its scheme will be built 350 metres from the West Ealing Crossrail station. Katherine Russell, director of build-to-rent at the John Lewis Partnership, said: 'This decision underpins a clear policy commitment to supporting brownfield development close to key transport hubs. 'We will continue to work closely with local people to bring forward the development responsibly and ensure it delivers long-term benefits, both to residents and the wider community as a whole.' The West Ealing scheme is one of three flagship rental home developments being overseen by John Lewis. The partnership until recently saw housing as a way to diversify from the high street at a time when retail was under intense pressure. However, the company has since sought to refocus its efforts back on retail after an improvement in performance. Last year, it ditched a target to make 40pc of its profits from areas outside of retail by 2030, saying the economic environment had changed 'so dramatically'. It is still pushing ahead with its initial rental home projects, however. The company received approval for its first scheme, in Bromley, last July. That scheme had also faced a backlash from locals and councillors, who had pushed the partnership to add more affordable homes. John Lewis is also planning new rental homes in Reading. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Britain's roads are becoming unusable
The traffic over this Bank Holiday weekend will be as bad as ever. The potholes will puncture tens of thousands of tyres, traffic will back up along the A-Roads towards the coast, and there will be the traditional lane closures on all the major motorways. Driving around the UK has always been challenging, to put it mildly, and anyone who tries to get any distance across the country has to be ready to navigate a whole series of obstacles. The trouble is that it is getting much worse. From delivery drivers and cyclists to fines, Britain's roads are becoming unusable – and that needs to be fixed before the whole country grinds to a complete halt. It would be easy to dismiss the residents of the leafy West London district of Fulham who are objecting to a new 24-hour McDonalds as typically prosperous, selfish Lib Dem-voting Nimbys. If it was an organic, artisan bakery – although obviously not hyper-capitalist Gail's – they would probably be delighted. And yet, this time they may have a point. A 24-hour fast food restaurant quickly becomes a magnet for delivery bikers who clog up the roads, wobbling haphazardly along streets they hardly know, staring into their phones as they try and find their way to a destination they have clearly never heard of. It turns quiet residential streets into death traps for anyone trying to drive to collect their kids from school, or pop out to the supermarket. With an estimated 240,000 food and delivery drivers in the UK, according to the Office for National Statistics, and with the real number likely to be far higher, given that they are not exactly famous for registering with the tax authorities, the guys with the big backpacks now effectively own many streets. They have squeezed out all the other vehicles trying to get around. That is just one way that the roads have become impossible. There are learner drivers who have little clue what they are actually doing, and are now a danger not just to themselves, but to anyone else driving a car along the same road. Given that it is now virtually impossible to book a driving test – with average wait times of at least 22 weeks – many of them never actually become proper, experienced drivers. They are stuck in 'learner hell' forever. And then of course there are the cyclists, who seem to have decided collectively that traffic signals and bus lanes only apply to four-wheeled modes of transport. The days when you could drive confidently through a green light are long gone; a cyclist may well be whizzing in the opposite direction. Sure, they may well be committing numerous offences as they brazenly ignore traffic rules. But in city centres where the police no longer bother to stop shoplifting, we can hardly expect them to punish cyclists. The law is routinely ignored. Perhaps worst of all, many councils have worked out that the only way they can possibly pay for all the asylum seekers they are obliged to house is to squeeze as much money as possible out of motorists. Junction 17 to 18 of the M25 collects more than £500,000 a year in fines, while the A1 in Great Ponton makes more than £600,000. Box junctions have turned into cash registers, and parking spaces are gold mines to be ruthlessly exploited. What started as a sensible way of controlling bad driving, and rationing scarce parking space, has turned into a tax. It goes up every year, and the motorist has no option but to pay up, especially as fines double if you do not settle them immediately. In reality, this is crazy. Driving is essential to the nation's life, and to its economy. People need to get out and about to see friends, visit their families, and to go to a restaurant or shopping. Businesses need to make deliveries, to stock warehouses, and ship raw materials into their factories. There is almost no form of economic or social activity that does not involve a car or a van at some point in the process. The UK is fast turning into a country where it is no longer possible to get from A to B – and that needs to be fixed before the nation grinds to a complete halt. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
