First, political posturing in local planning stops civic thinking. Two, short-term local horizons stops civic policy making. Three, vociferous local residents selfish demands act like cuckoos-in-the nest: they chuck out fairness, balance and civic dignity. There is a fine example going the rounds which vividly illustrates why our homes are twice the price they need … Continue reading No new homes. Here is why.

A few days ago, last Wednesday actually (11 March 2026) I wrote a short blog about the scale of opposition to big new projects in London; called Objections and objectors. Examples mentioned were the opposition to projects at Elephant and Castle, Paddington and Liverpool Street, from nimbies and architectural conservationists. My point was that objectors … Continue reading Rationing number of new homes

The scale of local opposition to big London schemes like Paddington, Elephant and Castle and Liverpool Street make me think. I believe it is thousands in each case? Can we learn by doing some research into the reasons for these objections? And having done so, tailor future planning policies? It might help stop the rot: … Continue reading Objections and objectors

This is the ugly truth. Political parties in Westminster do not want to admit it. In the high demand fast growth areas, and in the high demand dormitory areas of the Home Counties and Southern England, local councils do not want, and do not intend to provide the homes needed in the future. Both main … Continue reading Face facts: councils cannot deliver the homes