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A MULTI-STOREY car park in Franklin St has been given the green light by the State Government's Development Assessment Commission - despite Adelaide City Council and the commission's own staff saying it is a bad idea.
Adelaide City Council had previously refused to support the $11.9 million application, citing more than 10 reasons including increased congestion around the area and the lack of demand for the 575 car parking spaces.
The commission's staff agreed with council's comments and recommended the commission reject the application. However, the commission, which presides over all city development applications in excess of $10 million, made the decision to approve the eight level car park in a closed session.
In the last Development Assessment Panel meeting, Adelaide City Councillors Ann Moran and Ralph Clarke attacked the DAC for its decision.
"There was an abysmal lack of reason as to why they ignored us and their own staff," Mr Clarke said.
Ms Moran said the decision was "a nonsense".
"It's absolutely ridiculous," she said. "There's no rhyme or reason to their decision making.
"Whatever the criticisms of our development assessment panel, our decisions are made in public meetings. DAC operates under a veil of secrecy."
Panel presiding member Shanti Ditter said she believed planning decisions should be transparent.
No reason was given for the application's approval against the advice of council and the commission's staff.
DAC chief planning officer Gabrielle McMahon said it had considered all relevant policies.
"The commission heard from both council and the applicant," Ms McMahon said, "and made their decision based on all the relevant policies and representations."
April 15, 2010
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