Last year, Heritage Victoria recommended the motel for state heritage listing, which would provide the state's highest level of heritage protection against development.

At a meeting in December, councillors voted eight to two not to list the motel on the register.

The council instead requested Heritage Victoria hold a public hearing before making a decision.

Cr Geoff Lake also proposed a review of the council's own heritage overlay of the site.

At the hearing held last week, four presenters with expertise in cultural, historical and architectural heritage supported the motel's heritage listing.

The experts also handed in researched written submissions.

The council failed to attend the hearing, giving Heritage Victoria just five days' notice of its intended absence.

The council's written submission comprised an agenda and minutes from the December meeting.

Oakleigh Historical Society president Felicity Smith said the council had wasted everyone's time.

"They thought they could prove something and they've fallen flat on their face.

"It beggars the question why you would call for a hearing if you're not going to support it."

Last year, the Journal reported that Oakleigh Developments had applied to partially demolish the motel and turn it into 54town houses.

The application failed because the council decided it would result in an unacceptable standard of living for future residents and was an overdevelopment of the

site.

Speaking at the hearing last week, Chris Taylor, who represented the developers, slammed the council for failing to attend a hearing that it requested.

"I can't resist the opportunity to take a swipe at the council.

"The need for a hearing rests solely on Monash opposing the register."

He said nothing in the council's written submission seemed to provide "any reason" for it opposing inclusion on the register.

"We say their performance is shameful and an abuse of process."

Renate Howe, of Heritage Victoria, said the hearing panel was disappointed the council requested the hearing and withdrew at short notice.

She said that while the panel had no power to fine the council, the rules for requesting a hearing might be tightened.

In a statement made before the hearing, Monash Mayor Paul Klisaris said the council's written submission was a "sufficient" representation of its view on the

matter.

Heritage Victoria's decision is expected within a month.