A motion to temporarily block Essendon Football Club’s controversial 29-year pokies lease has been upheld by Melton City Council officials.

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The council voted unanimously on Monday night to allow Essendon to continue operating Melton Country Club and its 89 poker machines until the end of 2047.

However a rescission motion - which has the effect of repealing a previous council resolution - was later put by councillor Steve Abboushi in a bid to hear from more voices in the community regarding the plans.

“We need an opportunity to hear from all sides, not just Essendon's,” said Cr Abboushi, who couldn’t attend Monday’s council meeting due to family commitments.