9.—(1) The Commissioners may, in accordance with Article 2(4) of the Directive (but without prejudice to Article 7 of the Directive), direct that these Regulations do not apply in relation to a forestry project specified in the direction where, in the opinion of the Commissioners, compliance with these Regulations would have an adverse effect on the purpose of the forestry project.
(2) Where such a direction is given under paragraph (1), the Commissioners must—
(a)make available to the public concerned the information considered in making the direction and the reasons for making the direction;
(b)consider whether another form of assessment would be appropriate; and
(c)if in the opinion of the Commissioners another form of assessment would be appropriate, take such steps as are considered appropriate to bring the information obtained under the other form of assessment to the attention of the public concerned.
(3) The Commissioners may direct that these Regulations do not apply in relation to a forestry project specified in the direction if the forestry project comprises a project having the response to civil emergencies as its sole purpose and where, in the opinion of the Commissioners, compliance with these Regulations would have an adverse effect on that purpose.
(4) The Commissioners may, in accordance with Article 2(5) of the Directive (but without prejudice to Article 7 of the Directive), direct that the provisions relating to public consultation in regulation 18 do not apply in cases where a forestry project specified in the direction is adopted pursuant to an enactment (including an Act of the Scottish Parliament or any instrument made under such an Act) provided that the objectives of the Directive are met.