A side of a proposed housing development on Mount Ainsley in Canberra is awaiting approval from the Commonwealth.

A plan to build more than 200 homes, a private tennis court, and a pool or a possible sacred Aboriginal site is under review.

After federal Environment Minister, Susan Lay asked a department to review the case.

The housing project was said to move residents in as early as 2020, but that is now being disputed by local elders.