Christchurch city councillors have voted for an immediate pause to the demolition of the city's Cathedral, after hearing a lobby group's submission.

Following a debate on Thursday, councillors voted 10-4 in favour of halting demolition "to enable deeper and more open consideration of restoration options".

The council will write to Bishop Victoria Matthews, the Anglican diocese, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority to advise them of its decision.

Mayor Bob Parker will seek a meeting between the council, Bishop Victoria Matthews and the Cathedral Project to discuss the Cathedral's future.

The demolition of the cathedral began in March after it was deemed too badly damaged by the Christchurch earthquakes to be repaired.

Community groups and even the Historic Places Trust have criticised the demolition work, saying they believe the building can be retained or restored.

Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee rejected a plea for government intervention, telling The Press it was up to the Anglican Church what it did with the building.