<b><b>Two new design initiatives have been launched by the government and industry. The co-ordinated and mutual support of the two launches have given hope that real progress is being made in tackling the design question. Ben Roskrow reports</b></b><br><b>There was a time, not that long ago, when the relationship between the government and the housebuilding industry was, let&amp;’s say, a bit tense. The government felt that the industry was doing itself no favours by being slow to recognise the changing mood of a nation that opposed new developments. Housebuilders felt that the government was failing to give any succour to an industry that was providing vital housing stock for a growing economy.</b><br><b><b>Changing relationship</b></b><br> But over a period of time the relationship has changed. Nick Raynsford managed to communicate the message to housebuilders that they had to work with the government through PPG3 and the urban renaissance agenda if they wanted to thrive, while for its part the government started to recognise the importance of housing for the health of the economy.<p></p><p>Lord Falconer has quite easily slipped into Raynsford&amp;’s planning seat, and his affable and open style looks set to maintain good relations. And this point was underlined last month when the …