Part III Control over development
Secretary of State’s powers as respects planning applications and decisions
F176BMajor infrastructure projects: inspectors
(1)
This section applies if the Secretary of State appoints an inspector under section 76A(4)(b) (the lead inspector).
(2)
The Secretary of State may direct the lead inspector—
(a)
to consider such matters relating to the application as are prescribed;
(b)
to make recommendations to the Secretary of State on those matters.
(3)
After considering any recommendations of the lead inspector the Secretary of State may—
(a)
appoint such number of additional inspectors as he thinks appropriate;
(b)
direct that each of the additional inspectors must consider such matters relating to the application as the lead inspector decides.
(4)
An additional inspector must—
(a)
comply with such directions as to procedural matters as the lead inspector gives;
(b)
report to the lead inspector on the matters he is appointed to consider.
(5)
A copy of directions given as mentioned in subsection (4)(a) must be given to—
(a)
the person who made the application;
(b)
the local planning authority;
(c)
any other person who requests it.
(6)
If the Secretary of State does not act under subsection (3) he must direct the lead inspector to consider the application on his own.
(7)
In every case the lead inspector must report to the Secretary of State on—
(a)
his consideration of the application;
(b)
the consideration of the additional inspectors (if any) of the matters mentioned in subsection (3)(b).
(8)
The function of the lead inspector in pursuance of subsection (2)—
(a)
may be exercised from time to time;
(b)
includes making recommendations as to the number of additional inspectors required from time to time.
(9)
The power of the Secretary of State under subsection (3) to appoint an additional inspector includes power to revoke such an appointment.