8.—(1) Except in a case where an application has been referred to the Scottish Ministers under paragraph 6 and, subject to paragraph 14, SEPA must give notice of—S
(a)its determination of an application for variation under regulation 46, or
(b)in the case of such an application where which paragraph 4(1)(b) applies, and which affects the operation of a Part A installation, its draft determination,
within the period specified in sub-paragraph (2).
(2) The specified period is—
(a)where the consultation and advertising procedure set out in paragraph 4 applies, the period of 4 months beginning with the day on which SEPA received the application,
(b)where that procedure does not apply, the period of 3 months beginning with the day on which SEPA received the application,
or such longer period as may be agreed with the operator.
(3) For the purpose of calculating the periods mentioned in sub-paragraph (2) no account is taken of—
(a)any period beginning with the date on which notice is served on an operator under paragraph 3 and ending on the date on which the operator furnishes the information specified in the notice,
(b)any period allowed for making representations in relation to a notice given pursuant to paragraph 5 in so far as that period does not overlap with any other period allowed for making representations in accordance with paragraph 4(12),
(c)where a matter falls to be determined for the purposes of regulation 65 or under regulation 66, any period beginning with the date on which the period of 28 days referred to in paragraph 4(8) ends and ending on the date on which the application is advertised in accordance with paragraph 19(b).