Supermarket chains hoping to build new stores in town centres may see their applications turned down in the near future under reform of the planning law system.

Meon Valley MP George Hollingbery, who is a member of the Communities and Local Government Select Committee, is calling for this measure to be included in the National Planning Policy Framework, reports the Hampshire Chronicle.

"I have long argued that some town centres are worth preserving for reasons that go beyond normal planning matters because they are the hubs of the community," he said.

The MP added they can be helpful for vulnerable members of society, such as the elderly.

Mr Hollingbury noted it is a shame changes to planning law could not have been considered during the decision to grant Sainsbury's the right to build a new store in Bishop's Waltham.

Action for Market Towns policy manager Alison Eardley recently hailed the importance of reform of the planning law system leading to more democracy.