The provisions of this paragraph apply to an appeal under regulation 31 or 32 which falls to be determined by an appointed person and, in the case of an appeal under regulation 32, apply instead of regulation 32(9).

If the appellant or Natural England informs the appointed person that he or it wishes to appear before and be heard by him, the appointed person must give him or it an opportunity to do so.

The appointed person must notify his decision to hold a hearing or a local inquiry (as the case may be) to the appellant, Natural England and to any persons who notified the Secretary of State that they wish to make representations under regulation 32(8).

If an appointed person holds a hearing or local inquiry under this Schedule, the Secretary of State may appoint an assessor to sit with the appointed person and advise him on any matters arising, notwithstanding that the appointed person is to determine the matter or appeal.

Subject to regulation 32(12), the costs of the hearing or local inquiry held under this Schedule must be met by the Secretary of State.

If the appointment of an appointed person is revoked under paragraph 2(c) in respect of any appeal or matter, the Secretary of State must, unless he proposes to determine the matter himself, appoint another person under regulation 31(11) or 32(11) to determine the appeal or matter instead.

If a new appointment is made, the consideration of the appeal or matter, or any local inquiry or other hearing in connection with it, must begin afresh.

Nothing in sub-paragraph (2) requires any person to be given an opportunity to make fresh representations or to modify or withdraw any representations already made.

Anything done or omitted to be done by an appointed person in, or in connection with, the exercise or purported exercise of any function to which the appointment relates is to be treated for all purposes as done or omitted to be done by the Secretary of State.