155.This section states that the provisions of this Chapter apply where it has been decided that an application should be handled by a single Commissioner.
156.This section states that the chair (or a deputy chair) to the Commission must appoint a Commissioner to handle the application and that he may make a self-appointment. The chair is required to consult, and take account of the views expressed by any other Commissioner or the chief executive.
157.This section describes how a person can cease to be a single Commissioner. For example if a Commissioner stops being a Commissioner, he will cease to be a single Commissioner, subject to the provisions of section 81.
158.This section provides that in certain circumstances a person can continue to act as a single Commissioner although he is no longer a Commissioner. The section makes provision corresponding to that made for Panel membership by section 67.
159.This section provides that when a person ceases to be a single Commissioner a replacement Commissioner must be appointed. When this happens the replacement single Commissioner may decide to treat any work carried out by his predecessor as his own work. If this happens the replacement single Commissioner must ensure he acquires the necessary knowledge of the previous work undertaken.
160.These sections provide that the single Commissioner is responsible for examining the application and then making a report to the authority responsible for determining the application. In the report the single Commissioner should set out his findings and conclusions and make a recommendation as to how the application should be determined. When the Commission is responsible for determining the application, the report is made to the Commission, who should refer it to the Council (see paragraphs 6 to 9 of Schedule 1 to the Act). In any other case it is made to the Secretary of State.
161.This section provides that at least five members of the Council must participate in any decision which requires majority agreement. The chair of the Council has a second (casting) vote.