Concurrent proceedingsN.I.
15.—(1) Where an airport operator—
(a)applies to the Department for a vesting order under Article 3; or
(b)makes representations to the Department under Article 7(2),
the proceedings which—
(i)are required under this Part to be taken in connection with the making of a vesting order or (as the case may be) an order under Article 7; and
(ii)if applicable, are required by Articles 20 to 22 of the Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 to be taken for the purpose of planning permission,
may, where the Department so directs, be taken concurrently, so far as is practicable.
(2) Where—
(a)a public local inquiry is to be held under this Part in connection with any matter; and
(b)in the case of some other matter required or authorised (whether by this Part or by any other statutory provision) to be the subject of a public local inquiry, it appears to the Department that the matters are so far cognate that they should be considered together,
the Department may direct that the two inquiries be held concurrently or combined as one inquiry.