The term ‘NIMBY’ – an acronym for ‘Not In My Back Yard’ – has become the preferred slur of politicians, both left and right, who wish to caricature those opposing the rampant over-development of their communities as selfish, immoral, and elitist. This is a slander that must come to an end.

Firstly, let us dispense with the notion that there is something inherently wrong with wanting to preserve the character of one’s community.