The Local Government Association of South Australia has slammed the state’s opposition for what it says is a broken promise.

The LGA says SA's Liberal Opposition is helping to sideline communities from having a say on local development and planning issues by not returning planning powers to Local Government - despite having the opportunity to do so.

The LGA Board has congratulated the SA Greens for bringing on the motion to 'disallow' changes to the Development (Assessment of Significant Developments) Variation Regulation 2014.

The changes would have vested power in the Coordinator General and strip Councils of the power to assess development applications for neighbourhood-scale developments over $3 million.

But the Liberal Members of the Legislative Council voted with Government Legislative Councillors on Wednesday night to bury the Greens’ Motion to disallow the changes.

The LGA had earlier written to the Government, Opposition and other Members of the Legislative Council outlining the local government sector’s concerns about the changes to the legislation, particularly those which give expanded powers to the Coordinator General, Jim Hallion, to allow private sector development approvals.

“The LGA has been disappointed by the Government introducing planning regulations that impact on Councils and communities without adequate consultation with our sector and in the absence of any factual evidence to support their reform,” LGA President Mayor David O'Loughlin said.

“The LGA has invited the State Government to provide any data to support its concerns about the efficacy of Council Development Assessment Panels, in particular with projects $3 million and over.”

“We recognise that there is a need for an appropriate mechanism to break through barriers that occur within the State system, such as the untimely and inconsistent advice that is currently provided by State Government referral agencies.”

“I am also gob smacked at the Opposition back flip after they gave us clear indication that they would support the Greens’ disallowance motion and return scrutiny and decision making about local project to local councils.”

“The Liberal Opposition had the perfect opportunity to make good on their word, to support the restoration of local control, and they squibbed it - point blank went back on their word.”