LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR AS THYSELF

As a Christian, whilst not fully familiar with all 10 commandments, just lately I have been considering the second one; ‘Love thy neighbour as thyself.’

Many of us have been housebound in recent weeks, and it has been tough to keep the peace, both indoors and out, as we have become frustrated at the lack of freedom of movement, especially those used to living life outdoors, in addition to the challenges experienced by not seeing loved ones, ensuring that the children are kept amused, educated and out of mischief.

Worries over finance, job security, and the potential loss of businesses and homes has been hanging over the heads of those affected like the sword of Damocles.

Given the unprecedented circumstances we have found ourselves in, I feel overall that as a nation we have handled things as best we can, by being neighbourly, although in some areas tension has been high. My answer to those intent on finding fault is, ‘Well, what would you do differently?’ So far no-one seems to have an answer.

We speak of an Englishman’s home as being his castle (established in common law in 1628), a place where he may do as he pleases, excluding anyone he chooses. All very well, as long as you love your neighbour, showing consideration towards those you live cheek by jowl with, in terms of social behaviour and any actions that may disturb the peace.

We see this notion being stretched to the limit in some communities, particularly where planning is concerned.

People are naturally suspicious of change, especially in well-established communities, but I believe we have to change if we are to prosper; I also believe that communities should be able to determine their own futures, not have the authority of Westminster bureaucrats imposed upon them.

Robert Jenrick, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government, who recently announced plans to ‘get Britain building’, owns two properties in London in addition to a large country estate in Herefordshire (built for the descendant of a slave trader). I do not begrudge him the right to live comfortably, but we must consider the lives of those forced to live on cramped poorly built housing estates, at the mercy of a planning system unfit for purpose.

I have it on good authority that locally we are never likely to achieve the required five-year land supply, although this is often used as a stick to beat us with when determining applications. It seems ironic that those imposing such controls upon us are the least likely to be affected by the impact.

Thankfully, in South Somerset we are attempting to address this, but until we have autonomy there is little hope of serving our communities as we should.

There are few things in life as valuable as a good neighbour but to have one we need to be one.