Communities across P.E.I., frustrated at having council decisions frequently overturned by the provincial regulator, want a stronger voice when it comes to how their land is used.

At a meeting of Island municipalities earlier this week in St. Peter's, P.E.I., the City of Charlottetown put forth a motion asking the province to amend its Planning Act to change how and when IRAC can overturn decisions — a motion which passed.

"IRAC basically now has the authority to come in and to take the municipal council's decision and say 'that's not the right decision, this is the right decision,'" said Charlottetown Mayor Clifford Lee.

"And to add insult to injury, then they say to the municipal government, now you have to pass a resolution approving that development to take place."

One recent example: IRAC forced Charlottetown to approve a condo project next to the Belvedere Golf Club.

Many communities and towns across the province have expressed similar concerns, said federation president Bruce MacDougall.

"Most of the municipalities think it's an issue," he said.

"And it's frustrating for municipalities to be on the council and think they're making the right decision and then basically have something turned down and say — wrong."

IRAC should stick with the community's original decision, Lee added, unless council isn't consistent with its own official plan or zoning bylaw, or if the decision isn't fair and consistent with ones made in the past.

In those cases, he said, decisions should be referred back to council for another review.

The Department of Communities, Land and Environment hasn't yet received the resolution from the meeting, said a spokesperson, adding it's too early to tell if or when the matter might be addressed.