Accusations of NIMBYism in Minety (From Wilts and Gloucestershire Standard)

Accusations of NIMBYism in Minety

9:00am Saturday 16th February 2013 in News

A BID to build affordable homes in Minety has split the village with some inhabitants accusing objectors of NIMBYism.

Wiltshire Rural Housing Association wants to put up 10 houses on a site next to the Old Inn at Upper Minety for people with local connections like family or jobs in the parish.

The application, which is set to be decided by Wiltshire Council follows a housing needs survey that revealed more homes for local lower income families was required.

Some residents say the lack of affordable housing is driving young families away and putting the long term future of the primary school and pre-school at risk.

Among the supporters Ellie Pavone said:” I think it is highly selfish of homeowners in the village to disallow small low cost houses being built that would house people of the village that don’t have the fortune of two incomes per household.

“It’s about time things changed otherwise the village will end up being even more of a dormitory village for older, higher earners who commute in and out. Keeping a younger generation here will save it.”

Her view was echoes by 40-year resident Helen Armstrong. “I am particularly pleased to feel that those born or brought up in Minety, of those with specific ties to the village, will be able to have some hope of living in the village,” she said. “Some who have had to move away may even feel that they can return.”

However, in his objection objector David White said the majority of local residents were against the green field site being used. He pointed out it was not near the school, pub or sports pavilion which were in Lower Minety.

Sue Davis drew attention to flooding problems and said the site was near an accident blackspot. “Over the years there have been planning applications put in for the same site for less houses and all have been refused on the basis of flooding, unsuitable roads, isolation from built up areas, amenities, public services,” she explained.

“Nothing has changed. We still have the same problems. I feel there are more suitable sites in the area which have not been considered.”

The application is currently under consultation and can be seen on Wiltshire Council’s website.