A report was brought before the council at late notice, with city development director Darren Booth telling the chamber the matter was urgent.

Mr Booth told councillors the matter related to the boundary between proposed business and residential zones at the former Loreto Campus in Dawson St, now owned by developers who want to turn the site into offices and apartments.

The matter was considered by councillors in June but last night's meeting heard the developers had since requested a slight variation to the zoning boundaries, which would see the boundary moved one metre to allow a driveway to be built to access car parks.

Councillors and council officers at last night's meeting agreed the change was minor, with Mr Booth saying the report had been brought before the council at late notice as the next council meeting was three weeks away and a quick decision would speed up delivery of the planning scheme amendment to the State Planning Minister.

But Cr Des Hudson spoke strongly against adopting the change, saying proper process had not been followed.

Mr Booth said he could not guarantee all interested stakeholders would know about the alteration.

Cr Hudson said the matter should be deferred until a later meeting to give residents the chance to make comment.

"We are doing this on behalf of the developer and I understand there could be potential financial implications or out of pocket expenses," he said.

"But that is not the function of council."

Cr Hudson and Cr Peter Innes voted against the change but were defeated by Cr Craig Fletcher, Cr David Vendy, Cr Ian Jolly, Cr Gary Anderson, Cr John Philips and Cr Steven Jones. Cr Herman Ruyg was absent.