The Cabinet reshuffle has been branded as a “disaster” by the property industry.
Lobbyists warned that the reshuffle – with Lord Falconer moving to the Home Office and the DTLR torn in two – threatens the ambitious reform of the planning system.
BPF director-general Liz Peace said that Lord Falconers departure from the post was “a disaster for the planning green paper”.
Judith Salomon, head of property at London First, said: “Its amazing that Stephen Byers has even managed to mess things up by resigning.”
Falconer has left his planning and housing portfolio to join the Home Office. His replacement will be Lord Jeffrey Rooker, who was Labours environment spokesman between 1984 and 1988.
Lord Rooker, a Home Office minister until the reshuffle, will now be charged with steering the controversial planning green paper through parliament.
Under the DTLR split, Alistair Darling becomes Secretary of State for Transport.
Urban policy, local government and the regions is handed back to John Prescott as part of the new Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
The RICSs Michael Chambers warned: “Splitting the department is a backward step. Transport and land use are inextricably linked.”
EGi News 05/06/02
