If it appears to the National Appeal Panel that an appeal can properly be determined without a hearing, it may determine the appeal without a hearing.

If the National Appeal Panel determines that a hearing is required, it shall take place at such time and place as the National Appeal Panel may direct and notice shall be sent by post to the interested parties and the Board not less than 14 days before the date fixed for the hearing.

The interested parties may attend and be heard in person or be represented by counsel or a solicitor or other representative at the hearing and the Board may attend and be represented at the hearing by any duly authorised official or by counsel or a solicitor.

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Subject to the provisions of these Regulations, the National Appeal Panel shall determine an appeal (including its procedure) as it thinks fit and its decision in respect of an appeal shall be final.

In this paragraph “interested parties” means the appellant, the applicant and any person F3or body mentioned in paragraph 1 who makes written representations to the Board about the application.