Their concerns have been documented publicly for the first time, at a government inquiry into the council.

One manager has told the inquiry some councillors paid more attention to developers or objectors than to town planners.

Asked for examples of bias or preconceived views, development services manager Graham Mitchell raised the equestrian centre.

Belmorgan Property Developments' John Kosseris wants to build the stables at his mansion near the Minnamurra River.

Council staff have consistently opposed the development but: "There seemed to be an attitude from a lot of the councillors that no matter what we said in the report, it was going to be approved," Mr Mitchell said.

Counsel assisting the inquiry, Daniel Meltz, referred to evidence from planning services group manager Geoff Hoynes.

"Mr Hoynes said that when the equestrian centre was first put to the council it was refused for eight different reasons, and was considered a prohibited development," he said.

"Cr Geoff Rose foreshadowed a motion that the development be approved, albeit with conditions. Such actions suggested either a lack of understanding of the implications of the development being prohibited, or a willingness to act contrary to law.

"When the development came back to the council in July, Deputy Mayor Michele Greig, and councillors Tom Hawker, Don Briggs and Charlie Mifsud had also voted to overturn the officers' recommendation" and the mayor had to use his casting vote to defeat the motion.

That wasn't the end of the matter. "On July 3, Rose, Mifsud and Briggs moved a motion of rescission of the earlier refusal," Mr Meltz said.

The council is involved in legal proceedings against Mr Kosseris for alleged land clearing and building in wetlands.