Brisbane City Council's court attempt to stop a march in the CBD on Wednesday has failed.

The city council took councillor for The Gabba Jonathan Sri to court after mediation talks on Monday over the planned protest failed.

Police arrest a protester after activists blocked the corner of Margaret and William streets in Brisbane. Credit:AAP Image/ Darren England

Cr Sri told the court he applied for the march, down Edward and Charlotte streets to Parliament House, as a direct response to the tougher police search powers against protesters announced last week.

Queensland chief magistrate Terry Gardiner on Tuesday refused the council’s bid to ban the march after reviewing submissions for two hours. The march had been previously approved by police, with 19 conditions.