Engineering sector says NPPF reforms are a clear step forward to deliver housing and growth
17/12/2025 Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE)
The Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) has welcomed proposed reforms to the National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), describing them as a serious and pragmatic step forward for housing delivery and a growth-focused planning system.
ACE particularly welcomes proposals, including:
- Higher minimum densities around well-connected stations, including parts of the green belt, focusing development near jobs and transport rather than poorly connected low-density sprawl
- Larger extensions on existing plots, enabling gentle densification
- Fewer local add-ons to national design standards and removing unnecessary barriers to delivery
Ben Brittain, Director of Public Affairs at ACE, said: “Matthew Pennycook’s NPPF reforms are a welcome and practical shift. Prioritising development in well-connected locations and stripping out avoidable planning friction should now ensure we focus on addressing the emergency housing crisis.
“These reforms create a positive expectation that suitable sites for modern economy uses, such as gigafactories, data centres and laboratories are identified in local plans. That change is critical for investment, innovation and boosting growth, not just in London and the South-east but across Britain .”
Print this articleFor more information, please contact:
Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE)
Alliance House
12 Caxton Street
London
SW1H 0QL
Tel: 020 7222 6557
Email: consult@acenet.co.uk
Web: https://www.acenet.co.uk
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