Planning Minister Richard Wynne has refused to grant James Packer’s casino giant Crown Resorts an extension of time to build Australia’s tallest tower.

The decision means Crown Resorts will now need to obtain fresh planning approval for the massive Queensbridge luxury hotel and apartment complex in Southbank should it wish to proceed with it.

An artist's impression of the new hotel. Credit:FloodSlicer

Mr Wynne controversially used his special powers to greenlight the $1.75 billion development in March 2017, despite strong opposition from Melbourne City Council.

Critics described the approval as a “free kick” for Crown but Premier Daniel Andrews justified the behind-closed-doors approval on the basis that the project was of “state significance”.