Nimby name-calling will not solve Britain’s housing crisis

Prof Jem Poster would like the Guardian to avoid ‘nimby’ as a blanket term for those who object to plans that will erode or destroy green spaces. Photograph: Washington Imaging/Alamy

Nimbys are constantly portrayed as selfish old fogeys; resistant to change; concerned only for house prices. Yimbys, according to your article, are ambitious, socially concerned, young go-aheads (‘The moment has come’: pro-building Labour yimbys are set to raise the roof, 15 September).

There are many alternative points to be made. Public discussion centres on the assumption that building more houses will make home ownership more accessible, in the belief that increased supply to meet demand will bring prices down. This is wishful and simplistic thinking.