Nimbyism is 'every citizen's right'

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Countering claims that Nimbyism - the Not In My Back Yard syndrome - is fuelled by selfishness, Sir William Proby will argue that such campaigners play a vital role in protecting green spaces for future generations.

Describing the loss of countryside and parkland for housing and business development as "the greatest risk of our age", he will say: "I do not believe we can dismiss everyone concerned by this destruction as mere selfish Nimbys.

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Not in my backyard: Everyone should be concerned about the local environment

"A passionate concern for the local environment is surely every citizen's right and their views can often be well-founded.

"Too many genuinely public-spirited citizens are being unjustly tarred with the Nimby brush."

Sir William will tell the charity's annual general meeting in London that the countryside is being eroded "inch by inch, year by year", with more than 10,000 acres of green belt at risk.