A local sex worker has spoken out in opposition to Marrickville Mayor Morris Hanna's plan to cap the number of brothels in the municipality.

The woman, who wishes to be known as Kate, works from a flat in Marrickville and pays rates and her business taxes.

She says that contrary to the Mayor's assertion that the industry does not bring "the right type of people to the area" the bulk of her clients were locals.

"The vast majority of my clients are from the Marrickville area - at least 90 percent," she said.

"Of the 100 or so regular local clients that I would see in a 12-month period they are all local people who own small businesses or work or live in the area."

The mayor received support in the February 6 meeting to write to the Planning Minister about changing their planning laws to prohibit further brothels in the area.

There are 15 approved brothels in the municipality.

Kate’s business is not part of this total as home-based sex services are not allowed under the council’s current planning laws.

“Creating a situation where brothels can’t come forward and participate in council regulations is unfair and it is denying the occupational health and safety standards that we have a right to,” Kate said.

“They cannot stop the operation of brothels. When they were illegal they couldn’t stop them. History is not on the mayor’s side.”

The Glebe reported on February 15 that capping the number of brothels could lead to some setting up illegally.

“I think the notion of capping brothels will be a direct impediment to the rights of all of us who work in the sex industry. Whether we are Australian citizens or from other countries,” Kate said. “Marrickville Council would be directly causing the potential exploitation of women in the Marrickville area.”

She said her business was discreet and had less impact on the amenity of the neighbourhood than a family home.