Housebuilder’s Unlock the Land campaign is moving on apace, as Labour MP Clive Betts has tabled an early day motion in the Commons in support of the initiative. Stroud member David Drew has already signed up to support the EDM calling for the release of land for new housing developments, which was tabled at the start of the new parliamentary session in November. Betts is known for his keen interest in housing and economic issues in his Sheffield constituency and beyond. <br><br>Calling for a Commons debate on the shortage of new homes across the country, his EDM proposed: “That this House recognises the urgent need to address the shortage of homes in this country; recognises the economic and social consequences of unaffordable housing, particularly for first time buyers; notes that annual land supply for new development fell by 7% between 1997 and 2003, and welcomes the government’s commitment to increasing housing supply by three million homes by 2020.” The EDM went on to propose that the House: <br><br>“Applauds the Unlock the land campaign by Housebuilder magazine, calling for more land to be released for new housing developments; and calls on the government to ensure that the planning system is used …