s 231 Objections to orders under sections 228 and 230.
(1) For the purposes of sections 228 and 230, an objection to the making of an order shall not be treated as duly made unless— (a) the objection is made within the time and in the manner specified in the notice required by section 229 or, as the case may be, section 230, and (b) a statement in writing of the grounds of the objection is comprised in or submitted with the objection. (2) Where an objection to the making of such an order is duly made in accordance with subsection (1) and is not withdrawn, the following provisions of this section shall have effect in relation to it. (3) Unless the Scottish Ministers decides without regard to the objection not to make the order, or decides to make a modification which is agreed to by the objector as meeting the objection, before they makes a final decision they — (a) shall consider the grounds of the objection as set out in the statement, and (b) may, if they think fit, require the objector to submit within a specified period a further statement in writing as to any of the matters to which the objection relates. (4) In so far as the Scottish Ministers , after considering the grounds of the objection as set out in the original statement and in any such further statement, is satisfied that the objection relates to a matter which can be dealt with in the assessment of compensation, the Scottish Ministers may treat the objection as irrelevant for the purpose of making a final decision. (5) If— (a) after considering the grounds of the objection as so set out, the Scottish Ministers is satisfied that, for the purpose of making a final decision, they is sufficiently informed as to the matters to which the objection relates, or (b) in a case where a further statement has been required, it is not submitted within the specified period, the Scottish Ministers may make a final decision without further investigation as to those matters. (6) Subject to subsections (4) and (5), before making a final decision the Scottish Ministers shall give the objector an opportunity of appearing before, and being heard by, a person appointed for the purpose by the Scottish Ministers (7) If the objector takes that opportunity, the Scottish Ministers shall give an opportunity of appearing and being heard on the same occasion to the statutory undertakers, planning authority . . . on whose representation the order is proposed to be made, and to any other persons to whom it appears to them to be expedient to give such an opportunity. (8) Notwithstanding anything in the previous provisions of this section, if it appears to the Scottish Ministers that the matters to which the objection relates are such as to require investigation by public local inquiry before they makes a final decision, he shall cause such an inquiry to be held. (9) Where the Scottish Ministers determines to cause such an inquiry to be held, any of the requirements of subsections (3) to (7) to which effect has not been given at the time of that determination shall be dispensed with. (10) In this section any reference to making a final decision in relation to an order is a reference to deciding whether to make the order or what modification (if any) ought to be made. (11) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .