Thinking of getting a front disc on my commuter, can I run normal cable discs with a road lever or do I need road specific calipers like BB5 or BB7 road disc due to cable throw/ leverage?

Any other make suggestions welcome

You need a specific road caliper.
Shimano do one as well.

BB7s are designed to be used with road levers.

myheads-BB7's and BB7 roads are different.The road version needs less cable pull to suit road levers.
or if you are not using sti leveres these work with mtb cable discs (and V's) http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=35189
or you can use these http://www.problemsolversbike.com/pdf/PS_travel_agent.pdf
-It's the same as canti vs V brake levers if ytou can remember that far back.