In an interview.tonight with the BBC’s Nick Robinson Labour leader Keir Starmer says he will tell people who object to electricity pylons or housing. development near them they will have to see these plans go ahead.. I wish his prediction well. But he is wrong. His prediction is the first step towards another decade of housing policy stasis.
Yes, we must change the way things are done. But in our aggressively democratic and polarised society government first must convince local residents. Those living in host locations must. understand why the pylons or new homes have to be near where they live. If this debate is skipped or performed on a half-hearted basis local opposition to local change will be.overwhelming and successful. Highly concentrated; very passionate; sincere but misguided, a potent mix. Sir Keir you have no idea of the power and influence of these groups. And I am not talking here of the equal or greater power of the landowners if as seems to be intended in your Manifesto , that their land will be will be bought at less than open. market value?
Residents in host locations can be convinced. Money, perhaps rates holidays and other community benefits will help. Proposals to surcharge residents in areas who decide to export their housing overspill sounds scary but will accelerate the debate, illuminate the spatial parameters and compel doubters of the remorseless logic of the consequences of living in a market led economy where the growth/no growth solution sits. The honeymoon period is the time to trial radical change policies. Spatial laws are slow but effective.
I hope a new Labour government has the capability to.face the reality of spatial division caused by forty yeas of Westminster’s leadership failure.
Ian Campbell
14 June 2024
