"Winning support for new development is possible everywhere, if it addresses what people want in their local area and if it’s explained in terms that people understand"
- Kieran Kumaria - Stack Data Strategy
New research by Stack Data Strategy has revealed Essex as the most anti-development county in England, with Uttlesford, Maldon, Brentwood and Rochford among the 10 local authorities shown to be least supportive of new development overall.
Based on polling of more than 15,000 adults nationally on their views about various types of new development within 0.5 miles of where they live, the polling also found that Gloucestershire and Cornwall have some of the most anti-development residents in England, with residents in Forest of Dean and Isle of Scilly polling in the top 10 most anti-development local authorities in England.
On the other hand, the data also shows Inner London as the most pro-development county in England, with residents in Hackney polling as the local authority most in favour of new development. Outside of London, Greater Manchester, Merseyside and Nottinghamshire are the counties with some of the most pro-development residents, with Manchester, Liverpool and Nottingham local authorities polling as most supportive.
With property developers and planners needing to find ways to win over local opinion in these areas, new Stack Data Strategy polling uncovers the top four most effective arguments for persuading even the most anti-development residents:
1: Jobs will be created in the local area
2: New developments will give future generations a chance at affordable home ownership and renting
3: Attracting investment in local services and facilities
4: Improving local safety through better street lighting and walking routes
Kieran Kumaria, Managing Director at Stack Data Strategy, said: “Planning is partly political, and the process is often dominated by vocal minorities with the time and inclination to noisily engage. This research gives voice to the potentially supportive majority.
“Winning support for new development is possible everywhere, if it addresses what people want in their local area and if it’s explained in terms that people understand. If we’re going to get building again, we need to understand what the supportive majority think, want, and worry about.”
