One Local Government Association may have to fight to retain council control over planning decisions, after a range of “socialist” reforms were proposed.

The South Australian State Government has published a review of planning laws, which including ideas for extensive law changes for all developments, from residential renovations to major CBD works.

A copy of the report is available in PDF form, here. 

The Expert Panel on Planning Reform says its 27 suggestions would simplify planning processes and create a “level playing field” for developers.

One of the proposals would see elected council members stripped of planning powers, which would be handed over to regional “boards”.

“(The changes) will result in planners and consultants as far as the eye can see, telling people how to live. I reject this approach,” Family First Senator Bob Day told News Corp reporters.

The SA Local Government Association said that some reform was needed, but warned there are “significant risks in watering down the system”.

“We would not want local experience, knowledge and expectations to be lost in a regional planning model,” LGA president David O’Loughlin says.

Adelaide City Council has not officially responded, but Lord Mayoral candidate Mark Hamilton says he wants to “mount a full scale campaign in opposition”.

“It is old fashioned socialism at its worst”, he said of the proposed reforms.

SA Greens leader Mark Parnell said there were some good suggestions in the report, but reformers would “face an uphill battle” against the trust and local knowledge in councils.

“Most people are cynical about the planning system. They know that money talks,” he said.

Expert Panel chair Brian Hayes QC, said he welcomed the colourful array of responses to the report

“It is a complex issue and we want to know the good and the bad,” he told local reporters

“The more debate we have the better.”