The Elephant in the Room
The property podcast for the thinking person.

Episodes

Episode 319: Can YIMBYs Revolutionise Urban Living Without Compromising Quality?

The YIMBY (Yes In My Backyard) movement proposes increasing urban density while maintaining the quality of life. This raises questions about the potential impact on developer profits, the power struggle between YIMBYs and NIMBYs, and the broader implications for city planning and community dynamics.

Join us as we talk with Melissa Neighbour, an urban planner, community builder, and the co-founder of Sydney YIMBY. With her extensive experience and expertise in sustainability, Melissa is uniquely positioned to shed light on the intricacies of the YIMBY movement and its potential to reshape urban landscapes.

Listen to this episode to learn about the YIMBY movement and its implications for urban living. Get insights into the future of city planning and the ongoing argument between YIMBYs and NIMBYs.

Episode Highlights:

00:00 - Introduction

01:23 - Who is Melissa Neighbour?

02:31 - What is the origin of the Sydney YIMBY movement and how has it been growing?

05:10 - How do YIMBYs reconcile urban development's impact on infrastructure?

08:34 - Do YIMBYs shift their views and become NIMBYs after buying property?

12:24 - How does the YIMBY movement aim to influence urban planning reforms?

18:32 - Addressing the challenges that arise from negative perceptions of development

23:53 - What is “design done well”

25:56 - How does housing diversity impact the realisation of the Great Australian Dream?

31:01 - Is zoning alone enough to solve housing supply issues?

32:56 - What is the balance between development and preservation in urban infill?

35:25 - Strategies for addressing housing supply constraints within the planning system

42:12 - What additional changes are necessary to create a fair market environment?

43:11 - How can urban development balance heritage preservation and housing density?

46:48 - The role of investment returns, affordability, and preferences in property trade-offs

53:01 - What role does planning play in high-density development success?

59:36 - Melissa Neighbour’s property dumbo

About Our Guest:

Melissa Neighbour is an urban planner, community builder and sustainability specialist. She is the owner and Director of Sky Planning, a purpose-driven town planning consultancy based in Sydney, and co-founder of Sydney YIMBY. She has developed and implemented award-winning sustainable development projects across Australia, and is a strong advocate for building progressive, inclusive cities that unleash and amplify your peak potential as a human being, while regenerating the natural environment. Melissa regularly consults to government and industry and presents at major fora including TEDx, on the innovations, trends and forces that are shaping urbanism and defining our communities.

Connect with Melissa Neighbour:

Resources:

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Chris Bates