To revert back to the dangers of these listicles.
Sometimes the smallest things can reveal the most. Last week Boris Johnson delivered his big speech on future investment in our infrastructure, and referred to planning rules. Specifically, he referred to the great crested newt, which has historically held back certain building projects. With classic bombast, he declared: "Newt-counting delays are a massive drag on the prosperity of this country."
But then a few days later, the BBC reported something peculiar. Such delays had turned out to be a thing of the past. Journalists could find no evidence of significant delays to building projects because of newt surveys. The Local Government Association couldn’t find any examples either. Current surveys could now in fact be done rapidly. The head of the Wildlife Trusts said the speech was "pure fiction". The prime minister had promised to eliminate a problem which did not exist.
This is not meant to be a criticism of Johnson but an example of how completely erroneous beliefs become imprinted in people's minds by the mere repetition of them.
I remember the 'crested newts' thing; it turns out it happened three years ago, but it's not a common occurrence or one that significantly holds up development. It's just one of those things that happen occasionally.
But now people are under the impression that all developments are going to be beset by long delays and complications because of what appear to be inconsequential surveys discoveries. And get cross about it... and believe that it's a really big and Bad thing..
It's not rational and it can easily be used to manipulate people.
Good morning Thursday 23 March 2023
