Back in the early 1980s – acronyms were readily coined terms used by the media to label certain groups. There was your Yuppy (young, upwardly-mobile professional), Dinky (dual income, no kids) and, of course, your Nimby (not in my back yard)…they didn't object to housing, no way…so long as it was on somebody else's doorstep.

Almost 40 years on, the rise of the Nimby appears to be back in town, city or even county – but this time it is local government which is being accused of blocking the much- needed housing growth this country needs.