1

Where any objections have been made, in accordance with the regulations, to proposals for a local plan or for its alteration or replacement copies of which have been made available for inspection under section 40(2), the local planning authority shall cause a local inquiry or other hearing to be held for the purpose of considering the objections.

2

The local planning authority may cause a local inquiry or other hearing to be held for the purpose of considering any other objections to the proposals.

2A

No local inquiry or other hearing need be held under this section if all persons who have made objections have indicated in writing that they do not wish to appear.