Water Resources Act 1991

43 Appeals to the Secretary of State.E+W

(1)Where an application has been made to the Authority for a licence under this Chapter, the applicant may by notice appeal to the Secretary of State if—

(a)the applicant is dissatisfied with the decision of the Authority on the application; or

(b)the Authority fails within the period specified in subsection (2) below to give to the applicant either—

(i)notice of the Authority’s decision on the application; or

(ii)notice that the application has been referred to the Secretary of State in accordance with any direction under section 41 above.

(2)The period mentioned in subsection (1)(b) above is—

(a)except in a case falling within paragraph (b) below, such period as may be prescribed; and

(b)where an extended period is at any time agreed in writing between the applicant and the Authority, the extended period.

(3)A notice of appeal under this section shall be served—

(a)in such manner as may be prescribed; and

(b)within such period as may be prescribed, being a period of not less than twenty-eight days from, as the case may be—

(i)the date on which the decision to which it relates was notified to the applicant; or

(ii)the end of the period which, by virtue of subsection (2) above, is applicable for the purposes of subsection (1)(b) above.

(4)Where a notice is served under this section in respect of any application, the applicant shall, within the period prescribed for the purposes of subsection (3)(b) above, serve a copy of the notice on the Authority.

(5)Where any representations in writing with respect to an application were made within the period specified for the purposes of the application in accordance with section 37(5) above, the Secretary of State shall, before determining an appeal under this section in respect of the application, require the Authority to serve a copy of the notice of appeal on each of the persons who made those representations.