A third of NI’s NIMBYs admit to being frustrated that the next generation can’t afford to buy their own home, according to the latest research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
The FMB’s UK-wide research into NIMBYs (‘not-in-my-back-yarders’), or in other words people who tend to take an anti-development view to new homes being built in their area, also shows that a third of people in Northern Ireland are concerned about new houses or flats being built in their community.
One-fifth (21%) of local home owners are concerned about houses or flats being built in their community having a negative impact on where they live and yet more than a quarter (27%) feel frustrated their children, grandchildren or great grandchildren cannot afford to buy a property in the same area as them;
Compared with the other home nations, only one fifth of home owners in NI are NIMBYs whereas in England it is one third, in Scotland 29% and Wales 28%.
Gavin McGuire, Director of FMB Northern Ireland, said: “NIMBYism can still pose problems by blocking the delivery of new homes in NI.
“We know that, in recent years, anti-development groups have begun to use social media and online petitions.
“These platforms allow them to shout loudly and be listened to, regardless of how few people they might, in reality, represent.
“It does seem strangely ironic that a third of NI’s NIMBYs admits to being frustrated about the affordability of new homes, but is concerned that new houses will negatively impact on where they live.
“The FMB’s research published today demonstrates a mismatch that still exists in too many people’s minds. We hope this research will be helpful in reminding people that they can’t have it both ways. If we don’t continue to build and bring forward new homes for the younger generations, then we’ll continue to make life harder for those generations.”
