TOO many NIMBYs want contradictory things, the chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) has said in light of its research.

The research reveals that nearly two-thirds of NIMBYs (‘not-in-my-back-yard’) who are concerned about new houses or flats being built in their community also admit to feeling frustrated that the next generation can’t afford to buy a property in the local area.

More than one third (34 per cent) of home owners in England are NIMBYs.

Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB, said: “We need to accept that if we want to make housing affordable for the next generation, we need to be more positive about new homes being built in our area.

"We’re currently building significantly fewer new homes than we need to be in order to meet housing need. Not only are we not building enough homes right now, but we’ve been under-building in this country for decades.

"One key reason is the disproportionate power of the ‘not-in-my-back-yard’ brigade - the NIMBYs.

“Over the past decade, emboldened NIMBY groups have used social media and online petitions and they put themselves forward as spokespeople for their communities, regardless of how few people they might represent.

"It is wholly ironic that many NIMBYs admit to being frustrated about the cost of buying a home for future generations, but are concerned that any new houses will negatively impact on where they live.

"This new research suggests that too many people want contradictory things and we hope it will be helpful in reminding people that they can’t have it both ways.

"If we cannot significantly increase the delivery of new homes in the UK, then demand will continue to outstrip supply, ensuring that house prices and rents continue to rise.”

Susan Marshall, aged 53 from Cumbria, is concerned about overdevelopment in her area.

She said: “I understand that the future generations will need to have somewhere to live.

"Yet, I am concerned about whether our existing infrastructure framework will be able to cope if we simply build more and more homes.

"I am worried about our doctor’s surgeries, our schools and our hospitals. We should not build more homes without also building the infrastructure that we need to go with them.

"I also believe that building on the Greenbelt should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

"Brownfield sites across the country are plentiful, and unless all other options are exhausted, we should not be building on our green areas.”