47.—(1) Where an application or a reference is made by a licence holder under this Part in connection with any matter, the proceedings which—
(a)are required under this Part to be taken in relation to that application or reference; and
(b)if applicable, are required by Articles 20 to 24 of the [1991 NI 11.] Planning (Northern Ireland) Order 1991 to be taken for the purpose of planning permission;
may, where the Department concerned so directs, be taken concurrently (so far as practicable).
(2) In this Article “the Department concerned” means the Department, or where the matter to which the application or reference relates is a function of some other Department, the Department and that other Department acting jointly.