Advertisement of Agency proposals to modify a licence
31.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), where proposals have been formulated under section 52 (proposals for modification at instance of the Agency or Secretary of State) (including that section as modified by regulation 19), the notice referred to in subsection (4) of that section must—
(a)explain the general effect of the proposals;
(b)in the case of proposals for varying the licence, specify—
(i)the current point of abstraction or impounding and, if different, that which is proposed;
(ii)in relation to a full licence, the proposed quantity of water to be abstracted; and
(iii)in relation to an impounding licence, the object and means of impounding;
(c)state—
(i)where and when the register containing brief particulars about the proposals may be inspected and that such inspection is free of charge; and
(ii)the address to which any representations with respect to the proposals may be sent; and
(d)be published—
(i)in at least one newspaper circulating in the locality of the current (and, if different, proposed) point of abstraction or impounding; and
(ii)on the Agency’s website.
(2) The notice must not include any information—
(a)that is not to be included in a register by virtue of section 191A (exclusion from registers of information affecting national security) or 191B (exclusion from registers of certain confidential information); or
(b)of which, in the case of proposals in relation to a licence relating to abstraction or impounding, the relevant authority has notified the Agency that publication would be contrary to the interests of national security.
(3) In paragraph (2) “the relevant authority” means—
(a)in the case of an application in relation to abstraction or to impounding works in England, the Secretary of State; and
(b)in the case of an application in relation to abstraction or to impounding works in Wales, the Secretary of State or the Assembly.