Not in my backyard is a well-trodden saying that is often used in a derogatory fashion. It implies selfishness and hypocrisy, and I can see why. We all believe everyone should enjoy a roof over their heads, but not at the cost of our way of life.
Embracing the NIMBY Label
As much as I wouldn’t want to be called a NIMBY for all the negative connotations it denotes, I have decided to fully embrace the term and all its associated prejudices. I am not selfish as standard and try to avoid hypocrisy as much as I can, but on the topic of housing, I will take the hit.
I do not want these huge developments in Southend where inadequate infrastructure does not follow, Southend residents are not prioritised, and the environment is practically an irrelevance.
Flats Without Essential Services
We’ve just seen the announcement of the old HMRC building approved to be converted into 557 flats, with only half bestowed with a parking space. Not a single mention of more GP surgeries or schools as usual, only an outlandish statement to say that because of its location, it was felt those residents wouldn’t need a car!
It is a brownfield development, which I support wholeheartedly and hope that at least a small number will go to Southend residents. But herein lies the problem—there is no guarantee.
These flats will not necessarily help Southend residents who are looking to move out of the family home, as there is no such stipulation that reserves housing for local people. It is likely, therefore, that this development will serve only to expand the local population. The 1,700 Queensway development, I can’t imagine, will be any different.
The housing crisis, so often mentioned by Southend Labour, will therefore remain unsolved despite these developments.
More flats do not mean the hundreds of families on the waiting list will be any closer to finding a permanent home, nor will those who are currently living on the streets, and I would be in favour of legislation that would seek to prioritise the local population.
Greenbelt
I am also a staunch believer that our greenbelt and green spaces should be sacrosanct—once it’s gone, it’s gone forever. The potential Hadleigh Farm development is a travesty, and I fully back those heroic residents who are putting themselves forward to fight this as part of the ‘Save Hadleigh Farm’ campaign. Praise to Leigh Town Council for lending their support to the Hadleigh campaign by voting to oppose it. I would like to see Southend Council follow suit and have sent two questions ready for the next Southend City Full Council meeting to see how they might be able to lend their support.
I also fully back the Shoebury residents who are fighting against proposals surrounding Hinguar School and the already approved Bellway development, where despite the best efforts of the Shoeburyness Residents Association, the council approved building on the flood plain!
Southend Faces Housing Surge
National Labour reinstated the national housing targets, which means 20,000 new homes are to be built in Southend over the next 10 years, so expect more upheaval. That’s around 60,000 more people. Where will they go? The land by Bournes Green Close in Southend will no doubt be a talking point soon. What’s worse is Labour has stated in their manifesto they will override local government in planning decisions. Our Labour-led council is obliged to follow this and is a telling example of the perils of national parties running local politics.
MPs Must Prioritise Residents
Only two men can stand up for us, and they are our newly elected Labour MPs. They had a chance to show their backbone on the WFA, and they cannot afford another grave error before Southend starts thinking, for all their amiable traits, they are putting party above residents.
However, why should they do anything if we don’t? I urge all Southend residents to write to our MPs and councillors and state in the strongest terms that Southend is as good as full, our infrastructure and public services cannot cope, and our environment is being destroyed. We object to all plans that do not address these vital points and want them to push for planning laws that ensure the wider picture is central to future approvals.
Immigration Drives Population Rise
Call it a dog-whistle, but we know the UK population is growing exponentially because of absurd policies surrounding immigration.
This is a national issue that must be addressed, which I am sceptical it ever will be. In the meantime, whilst I like to think of myself as a kind, caring, and understanding person, on this occasion, I must stand on my temporary new platform as a NIMBY and support Southend in its opposition to all ill-advised developments that are not for the good of our city.
By James Miller
Confelicity Party Leader
jamesmillersouthendconfelicity@gmail.com
southendconfelicityparty.co.uk