27.—(1) Subject to paragraph (4), the Council may, with the consent of the Secretary of State—
(a)transfer to another person (“the transferee”) any or all of the benefit of the provisions of this Order and such related statutory rights as may be agreed between the Council and the transferee; or
(b)grant to another person (“the lessee”) for a period agreed between the Council and the lessee any or all of the benefit of the provisions of this Order and such related statutory rights as may be so agreed.
(2) Where an agreement has been made in accordance with paragraph (1) references in this Order to the Council, except in paragraph (3), include references to the transferee or the lessee.
(3) The exercise by a person of any benefits or rights conferred in accordance with any transfer or grant under paragraph (1) is subject to the same restrictions, liabilities and obligations as would apply under this Order if those benefits or rights were exercised by the Council.
(4) The consent of the Secretary of State is not required for a transfer or grant under this article where such transfer or grant is to Network Rail in accordance with an agreement made under article 28 (agreements with Network Rail).