Despite Frank objections, Debnam stays silent on ban

But the Opposition Leader, Peter Debnam, who addressed an anti-development rally in Hyde Park, has stopped short of saying he would not take donations from developers - one of the main areas of concern about the current system.

"Developments in NSW should be decided on merit instead of donations," Mr Debnam said at the rally.

He did not answer questions on whether the Liberal Party would refuse to accept donations from developers.

Mr Debnam said the review would be undertaken by an expert independent panel, to be appointed by him, and would report back by June 30, 2008.

The panel would take public submissions and publish its report. Mr Debnam said he would then legislate before the end of 2008 so that measures would be in place two years from the election due in March 2011.

More than 1000 people from 50 community groups attended the rally yesterday, calling for an end to developer donations and an overhaul of the planning system.

Protesters, including people from Catherine Hill Bay, Putney and Redfern, cheered as organisers denounced the Planning Minister, Frank Sartor, dubbed "the planning dictator of NSW" by one speaker.

"Either we get the State Government to change their policies and if they are not willing to do that, we want to change the government," said the rally organiser, Rolf Clapham.

A spokeswoman for Mr Sartor said the Government "needs to consider the local interest but also the broader public interest and that includes the economy".

On Saturday, Mr Sartor approved concept plans for controversial development projects at the Carlton & United Breweries site on Broadway and at East Darling Harbour.

The plan for East Darling Harbour allows 233,000 square metres of office space and high rise units.

The minister said the plan for Broadway allowed for a park, space for almost 5000 workers and homes for 2800 people.

But Labor's candidate for the state seat of Sydney, Linda Scott, said the plan was "a disappointing result" while a resident activist, David Pocklington, condemned the plan to turn Chippendale into the most densely populated village in Australia.

Photo by Dean Sewell: Joining forces … community groups gathered in Hyde Park yesterday to protest against the State Government's planning laws, with many targeting the Planning Minister, Frank Sartor.

Despite Frank Objections Debnam Stays Silent On Ban