Casey councillors will decide on the controversial $1.1 billion Clyde North data centre proposal.

Casey’s outgoing Mayor Cr Stefan Koomen ‘called in’ the application, which means decision-making power over the application had been moved from council officers to councillors, who will vote on the proposal at a future public council meeting.

The application, PA26-0190, seeks approval for the staged development of a data centre at 585 Berwick-Cranbourne Road, Clyde North.

It is the first planning permit application of its kind received by Casey.

Council said the application was ‘called in’ under its Land Use Planning Protocols because it had generated “significant community interest” and the decision was likely to be of interest beyond the immediate neighbourhood.

Calling in an application does not indicate whether councillors support or oppose the proposal, but means the ultimate decision will be made publicly rather than under delegated authority by council officers.

No date has yet been set for the council meeting.

Council planning officers are continuing to assess the proposal and have requested further information from the applicant.

Council is also seeking information from the Environment Protection Authority and external water and power authorities before making a decision.

The update follows weeks of community concern over the proposed development.

Residents gathered in Clyde North on Saturday 25 July to discuss the project, with concerns raised about its potential noise, electricity and water demands.

An online petition opposing the proposal has gathered more than 1500 signatures.

However, residents face an unusual planning process.

Council stated that the application is not required to undergo formal public notice under the planning rules applying to the land, meaning community members cannot lodge a submission that gives them third-party rights to challenge the council’s eventual decision at VCAT.

Council said those requirements were set by the State planning framework rather than by Casey.

Despite the absence of formal objection and appeal rights, council said it would still consider key issues raised by residents as part of its assessment.

The 53.6-hectare site forms part of the Croskell Employment Precinct, a planned industrial and commercial area between Thompsons Road, Berwick-Cranbourne Road and Narre Warren-Cranbourne Road.

Council said there was currently no timeframe for a decision, with the process dependent on the applicant providing the requested additional information and responses being received from referral authorities.

Details of the public council meeting will be announced once confirmed.