Public opposition to c-store and supermarket development has deepened dramatically over the past year.

A survey of 1,000 people, conducted by planning specialists Saint Consulting, found a rise in so-called NIMBYism across the board.

C-stores have fallen most in popularity with an approval rating of 4% compared with 13% last year, according to the report's authors, who blamed the rapid expansion of the multiples' convenience formats.

"Almost every high street now has a Tesco Express or a Sainsbury's Local and perhaps people are saying they do not want any more," said Saint Consulting MD Nick Keable.

The popularity of supermarket development has also slipped from a poor approval rating of minus 20% last year to minus 26% this year.

"There has been a lot of negative publicity about the big supermarkets, particularly during the recent Competition Commission inquiry," said Keable. "This has had a negative impact on attitudes to supermarket developments."

However, when asked which brand they would favour if they had to choose, people voted Asda the most popular choice.

Though its rating climbed only marginally, at 42% compared with 40% last year, it was higher than any of its rivals.

Sainsbury's was close behind with a 41% rating, up from 32% last year, marking the biggest improvement.

Morrisons and Waitrose also made small gains.

But approval for Tesco developments remained static at 38%, which meant the company dropped from second place to last in the rankings.

"This difference between the major supermarkets shows the power of branding and PR," said Keable. "Tesco has borne the brunt of the negative campaigning in general and has continued its aggressive development programme."

Sainsbury's property director Peter Baguley said involving local people in planning applications was a key part of its strategy. "We are fully committed to engaging the local community," he said. "Our higher score highlights the efforts of the Sainsbury's property team in driving these messages forward."