There were some nervous housebuilders around on May 1 1997 when Labour swept to power. They feared over regulation and rampant bureaucracy. And they were right. Building Regulations are being comprehensively revised, the urban and rural white papers have been published and, of course, there is PPG3. <p></p><p>But there are three rather good reasons why, despite all these new rules, the industry should hope that the Blairs will not be needing the removal men next month (or whenever). Here they are in reverse order of importance. </p><p><b>3.</b> Nick Raynsford himself - having a planning minister who knows the industry and has been in his post for several years is a great asset. </p><p><b>2</b>. The economy - steady, well-managed, low inflation. A basis for good business for housebuilders. </p><p><b>1.</b> What the Tories would do - if you think there are planning difficulties now, wait till Archie Norman and his team start pandering to their rural support by scrapping housing targets and allowing local authorities to stop any development. What council would dare make the tough decision to approve a development knowing full well that the nimbys would vote them out at a stroke? </p><p>So put up with the intervention for a …