Sch 2 para 17
(1) Sub-paragraph (2) applies where— (a) a local plan is in force in the area of a local planning authority; (b) a unitary development plan is being prepared; (c) the local planning authority who are preparing that plan have published in the prescribed manner a statement in the prescribed form identifying a policy included in the plan as an existing policy; and (d) a local inquiry or other hearing is held for the purpose of considering any objection to the plan. (2) Where this sub-paragraph applies, the person holding the inquiry or other hearing need not allow an objector to appear if he is satisfied that— (a) the objection is to a policy identified in the statement published under sub-paragraph (1)(c); (b) the policy so identified is an existing policy; and (c) there has been no significant change in circumstances affecting the existing policy since it first formed part of the plan mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(a). (3) In this paragraph “ existing policy ” means a policy or proposal the substance of which (however expressed) was contained in a local plan in force as mentioned in sub-paragraph (1)(a).