Winchester MP, Mark Oaten, is calling for a reform of the planning process.

He has branded the current system "unfair", claiming it causes resentment and disappointment and he has issued a three-point plan which he believes will give the public and councillors greater powers.

Mr Oaten says the current system often leaves residents disappointed by the process and local councillors frustrated.

He is now putting forward three key changes to the system.

He has called for the eight-week decision deadline to be scrapped.

"It should be removed as it creates enormous pressure, reducing the time for planning officers to evaluate applications and limiting opportunities for site visits and for residents to comment," he said.

"It would also make more sense to allow a longer period for more complicated applications."

Mr Oaten said he also believed restrictions on councillors, which prevented them making public statements in advance of planning decisions, should also be lifted.

"The restrictions often prevent a councillor campaigning and representing their community," said Mr Oaten.

"In Winchester, councillors who have spoken out against a development have been prevented from voting when the application is debated at committee. The Government should change this law."

Finally, he believes the right of appeal needs to be changed so that objectors to schemes have a right of appeal as well as applicants.

"There is currently no right of appeal for groups or individuals that want to object to an application," he said.

"The developers can appeal if they get turned down - but it does not work the other way around.

"This is unfair and causes great resentment in the community. Government should look at changes which would allow some form of appeal for pressure groups who want a decision reviewed at a higher level.

"We have a duty to protect our area and allow it to develop in a sensitive way. Local councillors are prevented from doing this more effectively by outdated laws in Westminster.

"My three-point plan would shake up the system, giving the planners more time, the public sector greater powers and councillors the chance to speak out on behalf of the community."

Mr Oaten has tabled questions to Parliament this week on the need for changes and will be pushing for these changes when it debates planning guidelines.