Wymondham is a town likely to experience massive growth. Sitting along the Norwich-Cambridge tech corridor, we will be a prime spot for new residents looking for a country home with city pay. Convenience will be expected, as city dwellers are used to 24/7 service. I know this, having spent three years away from my home in Norfolk, living in Cambridge.

I am grateful that I recognised Wymondham’s traditional and ecological beauty, finding more meaningful value in the town’s character than I did in the unhealthy convenience of 24-hour life. Having the opportunity to switch off rather than be kept awake by neon lights and revellers making their way home at 3 AM. was a godsend, giving me the chance to sleep without interruption. Well, almost without interruption...

Times have been changing, not just in Wymondham but on every level of society. We are all being impacted by changes in income, affordability, head of state, international relations, domestic policy, and more. That’s why it’s vital to insist on high standards rather than resorting to self-defeating solutions that undermine the future. I believe that focusing on sustainability is core to making the most of the many opportunities we have and that any investments must respect the environment in which they are made.

This is why we must protect the historical integrity of Wymondham as a market town. Bowing down to one-sided investments is a mistake. As a town, we have a powerful position, so accepting deals from investors that fail to appreciate the area’s natural and historical beauty is nothing short of negligent. At the same time, developers profit from sub-standard homes, and we are left to pick up the bill. Isn’t it about time we start taking a hard-nosed approach with would-be investors who want to change the very fabric of our home?

In a fairer, greener society, we should strive for the energy-efficient homes we deserve. We do not need to accept substandard building quality in new builds. We do not need to accept that generic chains will replace local businesses. We do not need to accept the rhetoric that investment requires us to make sacrifices. Let’s stand together as a community to achieve what’s best for ourselves and each other.

These people are approaching us; we are not approaching them. It is our prerogative to stand up against the housing developers and demand that they put the same effort into building their houses as we do in maintaining our homes. Wymondham deserves better than cowboy developers and dodgy dealings.

Change is possible, and groups are already working to protect and enhance your home. The South Norfolk Green Party is one of them.