The term NIMBY—Not In My Backyard—often carries a negative connotation, describing those who resist large-scale changes in their communities despite recognizing their necessity. While many towns struggle with opposition to development, Portishead in North Somerset stands out as a rare exception: a place where residents proudly identify as YIMBYs—Yes In My Backyard advocates who welcome growth and change.
Portishead, known for its sparkling marina and scenic views, has experienced significant transformation over the past two decades. Chris, a minister at Enjoy Church and a resident since 2008, affectionately calls himself a “newbie” in the rapidly expanding town. “The population has nearly tripled to about 30,000 in the last twenty years,” he says. But rather than resisting these changes, Chris is enthusiastic, pointing to community-driven initiatives such as the town council reclaiming public assets like the local library from North Somerset Council and the eagerly awaited reopening of the Portishead Line rail connection to Bristol.
After 65 years, the rail line is set to reopen in 2018, promising a swift 25-minute journey between towns. “Traffic is often backed up on the dual carriageway,” Chris explains. “The train will be a breath of fresh air.”
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For long-time resident Fatima, the reopening has been a long time coming. “I’ve lived here 22 years, and they’ve talked about reopening the line for all that time. It’s fantastic news.”
Out by the marina, the ocean breeze and clear skies seem to fuel the town’s positive spirit. George, 65, born and raised near the sea, has been sailing since he was five years old. “Living by the sea is in my blood. It’s the fresh air and escape from everyday troubles,” he shares. Working as a boat broker commuting from Wales, George also anticipates the rail line reopening to make travel easier. “It will definitely be a big plus.”
Perched at Battery Point Lighthouse, visitors can gaze across the Bristol Channel towards the Severn Bridge leading into Wales. Ralph and Leanne, a couple married for 56 years who visit regularly from Bristol, have a lifetime of memories watching ships pass through. Ralph, 86, recalls, “We used to see four or five container ships at a time, but those sights have diminished. Demand for sand and cement must have declined.” He suspects Brexit has played a role, a sentiment echoed by George, who notes fewer EU customers for his business.
Ralph and Leanne also have a deep personal connection to the railways, having met while working on them around 1959. For them, the news of the Portishead Line reopening is especially heartening. “It should never have been closed,” Ralph insists.
The town’s vitality is also evident in its new skatepark, a hit with families encouraging kids to swap screens for skateboards, and the Portishead Lido, an open-air swimming pool recently revamped with a £1.7 million refurbishment.
Change is woven into every corner of Portishead—from its expanding population and improved amenities to the collaborative local governance and renewed transport links. What could typically bring challenges instead appears to unify this community with shared optimism.
Perhaps it’s Portishead’s unique location near the Severn Bridge, bridging two nations and inviting diverse influences. Maybe it’s the steady flow of ships threading through the Bristol Channel, connecting the town to the wider world. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s something intangible carried on that crisp, invigorating sea breeze.
*Names have been changed at the request of interviewees.