A change to planning policy giving stronger guidance to defend the interests of local authorities has been backed by MP Zac Goldsmith.

An amendment to the Infrastructure Bill called for the Planning Inspectorate to be abolished and although it was not successful, John Hayes, senior minister, called for a new community right of appeal against adverse planning decisions.

He said there was an "inequity" because only developers could appeal against planning decision and argues that communities should be given a limited right of appeal against planning decisions that do not marry up with their local plan.

During a debate in Parliament, it was proposed the Government should issue new planning guidance to address the issues and it was agreed it should be introduced.

Mr Goldsmith, MP for Richmond Park, said: "This is an important intervention and I hope it leads to a rethink.

"Too often the Planning Inspectorate overrules decisions made by elected local representatives and this has caused real resentment within communities."