The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) – the group which represents the interests of professional consultancies and engineering companies operating in the social and economic infrastructure sectors – has today responded to Sadiq Khan’s London Plan highlighting the need for government to green-light Crossrail 2.

Commenting on the plan, ACE chief executive Dr Nelson Ogunshakin OBE said: "The Mayor’s comprehensive document outlines a compelling vision for the future of London and has practical ideas on meeting the challenge of building at least 66,000 new homes a year. However, none of this will be possible without a green-light from central Government for Crossrail 2 which will be the only way to unlock the new development opportunities that the capital needs to meet the Mayor’s ambitious housing targets.

"Put simply, Crossrail 2 is the key which unlocks London’s future."

One of the most important documents for London, the plan outlines the strategic direction of the city's development in the next 20 to 25 years covering issues such as housing, transport, design and planning. It sets the policy framework for London and subsequent local plans in the years ahead. The plan is complemented by the Mayor's Transport strategy which was shared earlier in the week.

Owing to ACE’s unique position spanning different areas of infrastructure, the group have provided a joined-up cross-sectoral analysis where possible. Among some of the other points made in a lengthy response, ACE argues that the Mayor should enshrine his election pledge for 50% of new housing to be "genuinely affordable", as a deliverable KPI.

Furthermore, ACE suggests the Mayor should:

• Champion excellent design as being integral to the growth of the city and the core of the London Plan;
• Establish a leaders’ forum to consider development across the wider South East;
• Set clear targets about the housing-size mix that London needs and work closely with London boroughs to establish what works best in each area;
• As well as performance indicators on the use of public transport, the quality of those services needs to be measured as well.

The full response, which also covers green, social and sustainable infrastructure, as well as the aforementioned topics, can be downloaded from the ACE website.

ENDS