After regulation 19 (notification of a decision) insert–

“Use of electronic communications19A.

(1)

Paragraph (2) applies where an electronic communication is used for the purpose of notification of a decision–

(a)

under regulation 19; and

(b)

under regulation 40 for notice of approval, modification or rejection of a local plan.

(2)

Notification in writing of a decision and reasons for the purposes of regulation 19 or 40 shall be deemed to have been given to a person for the purposes of this regulation where–

(a)

the Scottish Ministers and the person have agreed that the decision and reasons required under this regulation to be given in writing may instead be accessed by that person via a website;

(b)

the decision and reasons are a decision and reasons to which that agreement applies;

(c)

the Scottish Ministers have published the decision and reasons; and

(d)

the person is notified, in a manner for the time being agreed between that person and the Scottish Ministers, of–

(i)

the publication of the decision and reasons on a website;

(ii)

the address of the website; and

(iii)

the place on the website where the decision and reasons may be accessed, and how they may be accessed.”.