Public participation
47.—(1) When carrying out this review the Secretary of State must ensure that the public is given early and effective opportunities to participate.
(2) The Secretary of State must make adequate arrangements for public participation to enable the public to prepare and participate effectively.
(3) The Secretary of State must ensure that—
(a)the public is consulted about any proposals and that relevant information about such proposals is made available to the public, including information about the right to participate in decision-making and about the body to which comments or questions may be submitted; and
(b)the public is entitled to express comments and opinions when all options are open before decisions on the plans and programmes are made.
(4) The Secretary of State must identify the public entitled to be consulted, including non-governmental organisations promoting environmental protection.
(5) Reasonable time must be allowed for consultation.
(6) Consultation must be taken into account in reaching a decision.
(7) Following consultation the Secretary of State must inform the public about the decisions taken and the reasons and considerations upon which those decisions are based, including information about the public participation process.