Sch 7 para 8
(1) Where objections to the proposed scheme or alterations are made, the local planning authority may— (a) for the purpose of considering the objections, cause a local inquiry or other hearing to be held by a person appointed by the Secretary of State or, in such cases as may be prescribed, appointed by the authority, or (b) require the objections to be considered by a person appointed by the Secretary of State. (2) A local planning authority shall exercise the power under sub-paragraph (1), or paragraph (a) or (b) of that sub-paragraph, if directed to do so by the Secretary of State. (4) Regulations may— (a) make provision with respect to the appointment, and qualifications for appointment, of persons for the purposes of this paragraph ; (b) include provision enabling the Secretary of State to direct a local planning authority to appoint a particular person, or one of a specified list or class of persons; (c) make provision with respect to the remuneration and allowances of the person appointed. (5) Subsections (2) and (3) of section 250 of the Local Government Act 1972 (power to summon and examine witnesses) apply to an inquiry held under this paragraph. (6) The Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1992 applies to a local inquiry or other hearing held in England under this paragraph as it applies to a statutory inquiry held by the Secretary of State, with the substitution in section 10(1) (statement of reasons for decision) for the references to a decision taken by the Secretary of State of references to a decision taken by a local authority. (6A) The power to make regulations under section 323A applies in relation to a local inquiry or other hearing held in Wales under this paragraph as it applies in relation to an inquiry or hearing held by the Welsh Ministers under this Act and as if references in section 323A(3) and (4) to the Welsh Ministers included references to a local planning authority. (7) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .