The term “nimby”, or “nimby-ism”, is one that is frequently used to refer to people who obstinately refuse to allow progress in their community; to refuse change – ‘not in my back yard’. But I see Nimby-ism as something that helps communities keep what is good. From one extreme it is bad, but is it so bad when people are concerned about corn-buntings or sky lark habitat? When they seek to preserve the rural areas around their homes?

This is something that is now forefront in local residents’ minds. Wyre Forest District Council has embarked on a consultation about their forward plan, that seeks to identify a housing need of 300 new homes each year over the period from 2019 to 2034. Wyre Forest DC is a forward looking council, one that recognises that we need new homes for a new generation of local residents and also recognises that as we bring more employment opportunities to the district, we also need homes for those workers. WFDC brought in a district plan in 2009, but that was negated by the 2013 Local Government Act. With no district plan, we run a huge risk of legal challenge by developers, who may win the right to build all over the district without any local consultation at all. That is bad for all of us.

It is inevitably the case that progress brings disquiet. Last weekend I met with two local groups concerned about their part of the plan. Their concerns are valid, not least as they highlight opportunities that are not considered in the plan. WFDC has done its best to engage with owners of redundant properties, or those that provide good opportunities for development, but without those owners agreeing to be considered in the plan, WFDC cannot put them forward.

There is a debate to be had as to whether green belt, brought in during the 1950s to stop urban sprawl, is still the best solution for the 21st century’s housing needs. I would urge everyone to engage in the consultation. Most residents will be affected in a wider context, but this is about our collective community. I am working to engage those owners who have not, but ought to, put their properties forward for the plan. In the meantime, I would urge everyone to get involved: have your say, say if you agree or disagree with the proposals. We have until the 14th August to do so.