Sch 5A para 8
(1) Before publicising, in accordance with paragraph 9, proposals for making or altering a scheme, a planning authority must— (a) comply with any requirements as to consultation prescribed in regulations under this paragraph, and (b) have regard to any valid representations received from anyone consulted in compliance with those requirements. (2) The Scottish Ministers are to prescribe by regulations requirements about— (a) who a planning authority must consult before determining the content of any proposals which may be publicised in accordance with paragraph 9, (b) how that consultation is to be undertaken, and (c) how representations to the planning authority must be made by anyone consulted if they are to be treated as valid representations for the purpose of sub-paragraph (1)(b). (3) Without prejudice to the generality of sub-paragraph (2), regulations made under this paragraph may— (a) require a planning authority to consult the public (or a portion of the public), or (b) empower the Scottish Ministers to direct an authority to do so in particular cases.