Two months ago I argued that one of the key advantages of returning a Labour government was the performance of Nick Raynsford as planning minister. <p></p><p>I should have known that this was tempting fate, and sure enough he has been shuffled away from our industry and replaced by the Dome minister, Lord Falconer. </p><p>The reaction to this move has been understandably cool. Not only have we lost a minister who knew the issues well and, while not always seeing eye to eye, worked successfully with developers, we have gained a man best known for a widely vilified building and with no known track record in housebuilding. </p><p>But Lord Falconer has to be given a chance. This could be a major year for planning, with the modernising green paper due in the autumn. </p><p>If the good Lord manages to steer this successfully through and improve the lot for housebuilders, then there will be no cause for complaint.</p><p> Maybe a new face is actually what is needed, so let us welcome the new man and, who knows, we might be pleasantly surprised..</p><p><b>Ben Roskrow</b> - <i>Editor</i></p><p><br> </p><p></p>