THE ACT Opposition has raised concerns over a “power imbalance” in the territory’s planning following the use of controversial call-in powers to approve a social housing development in Ainslie.

Shadow planning minister Peter Cain said that despite endorsing the outcomes of the YWCA project to build nine units for vulnerable women, planning Minister Mick Gentleman’s use of call-in powers to approve the development was “distressing”.

The development had previously been rejected by the ACT Civil and Administrative Tribunal after a group of Ainslie residents raised concerns about the effect it would have on trees, traffic and the nearby park.

Minster Gentleman’s use of call-in powers means the project can no longer be reviewed, a decision that Mr Cain has describes as a “power imbalance”.

“Planning decisions for the ACT should be made by rigorous consultation, and a robust system with clearly defined objectives and outcomes, not at the discretion of the Minister,” said Mr Cain.

“A planning system that works well would resolve these issues within the development stage, and not at the discretion of the Minister at the eleventh hour.”

Mr Gentleman, however, said  the concerns of community members had been carefully considered.

“We have imposed a number of conditions on the development, including measures to safeguard protected trees on the site and the adjacent park, which were among the neighbours’ concerns,” he said.

In light of the development, Mr Cain has also raised concerns about a new Bill being prepared for the ACT Legislative Assembly which will seek to “expand functions of the Territory Planning Authority.”

According to the government, the ACT Planning System Review and Reform Project is “reviewing and reforming our planning system in a holistic way to deliver better outcomes for communities, the environment and people across Canberra.”

Mr Cain says the Bill will only create more “abstract processes and unclear outcomes”.

“The use of call-in powers has highlighted the poorly defined outcomes, and obstructive processes within the ACT planning system, which leave room for community confusion and discretionary decisions,” he said.

“This is indicative of this Labor-Greens Government’s tired vision for the ACT, and their disinterest in fostering a culture of transparency and good management.”