Net Zero Tsar Ed Miliband’s Wife Takes Stand Against ‘NIMBY’ Heat Pump Housing Plans
Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s push for housing reform faces a paradox as Energy Minister Ed Miliband’s wife, Dame Justine Thornton, joins a local campaign opposing a new block of flats near their £3m Victorian home in Dartmouth Park, London. While Miliband advocates for the installation of air source heat pumps in all new developments, his wife’s objections highlight contradictions in the government’s housing agenda.
The proposed six-storey flat development aims to replace a 1930s detached house purchased by Turkish developer Dicle Guntas Girman for £1.7m, drawing ire from local residents, including high-profile neighbors like actor Benedict Cumberbatch. Despite her objections to this specific project allegedly due to its height and density concerns, Thornton stated she supports the overall principle of addressing housing shortages.
Starmer has previously condemned ‘nimbys’ who resist development, but Thornton’s letter to the council underscores a broader societal struggle between development needs and individual property interests. Opponents of the project are particularly concerned about the proposed external heat pumps and their potential noise pollution, posing significant questions about the environmental strategies that clash with local sentiments.
As Labour strives to achieve its goal of building 1.5 million homes by 2030, this incident brings to light the complexities and challenges of balancing ambitious housing policies with the realities of community opposition.
FAQ
Why is Justine Thornton opposing the new flats near her home?
Justine Thornton opposes the development due to concerns about the design’s height, bulk, and density, asserting it doesn’t fit the conservation area’s context.
What is Keir Starmer’s stance on housing development?
Keir Starmer advocates for addressing housing shortages, criticizing ‘nimbys’ for blocking essential developments and aiming for the construction of 1.5 million homes by 2030.
How much does the proposed development cost?
The proposed development seeks to replace a £1.7m house with a block of flats valued over £6m.
What is the controversy surrounding heat pumps?
Local residents, including Thornton, are concerned that the six external air source heat pumps proposed for the new flats will cause noise pollution, conflicting with Miliband’s support for their widespread installation.
Tags
Housing Development, Ed Miliband, Keir Starmer, Dartmouth Park, Environmental Policy, Noise Pollution, Local Opposition, Planning Policy, Conservation Areas, UK Politics
