5.—(1) The contracting entity in relation to a project for the renewal or upgrading of an existing structural subsystem shall apply in writing to the Competent Authority for a decision as to whether an authorisation is required for that subsystem to be placed in service.
(2) An application made under paragraph (1) shall be accompanied by the following information—
(a)a file setting out details of the project;
(b)an assessment of whether and how the overall safety level of the subsystem concerned may be adversely affected by the works envisaged;
(c)identification of any TSI, or parts thereof, for which derogations may or will be sought pursuant to regulation 6;
(d)an indication of any TSI, or parts thereof, which it is proposed should not apply if the Competent Authority determines that the subsystem requires authorisation.
(3) The Competent Authority may give notice in writing to the applicant requiring the applicant to provide additional information that the Competent Authority considers necessary in order to make a decision.
(4) The applicant shall provide the Competent Authority with such additional information requested under paragraph (3) as he is reasonably able to supply and the applicant shall give a written explanation where he is unable to provide the information requested.
(5) In making a decision as to the requirement for authorisation, factors to be taken into account by the Competent Authority shall include—
(a)the implementation strategy provided in any relevant TSI; and
(b)the size of the proposed works.
(6) Except where the Competent Authority and the Safety Authority are the same person, the Competent Authority shall not decide authorisation is not required unless it has consulted the Safety Authority.
(7) If it appears to the Competent Authority that the proposed works may adversely affect the overall safety of the relevant subsystem the Competent Authority shall decide that the subsystem requires authorisation to be placed in service.
(8) Where the Competent Authority determines that the subsystem requires an authorisation and the project subsystem is part of the conventional TEN rail system—
(a)the Competent Authority shall, subject to any derogations under regulation 6, decide to what extent TSIs shall apply to the project subsystem; and
(b)the Secretary of State shall notify that decision to the Commission and other Member States.