The brothel proposed for an industrial zone and no-through road at 1/44 Winterton Road, Clayton, was generally not contested on planning grounds.

But Cr Gerry Kottek sparked anger when he told the meeting why he thought brothels provided "a great service" for the community.

He said brothels caused angst in the community, but their benefits were "fantastic": namely, relieving frustrated men from tension and stopping them "beating" or "raping" their wives or girlfriends.

Cr Joy Banerji, a mother of teenage daughters, withdrew her support for the proposal on the basis of the "offensive" remarks.

Councillors Geoff Lake and Paul Klisaris also responded angrily to the comments.

Cr Kottek said he hadn't meant to offend with his comments.