Paragraph 4 Reference to Secretary of State of certain applications for consent
Before determining an application the Secretary of State may, if he has received representations or objections in response to the notice which the Authority is required to publish by paragraph 1(3) and shall, if a request to be heard is made to him by the Authority within 10 weeks after the date on which a copy of the notice was published in the London Gazette in accordance with paragraph 1(3)(b), –
cause a local inquiry to be held with respect to the application; or
afford the Authority an opportunity of appearing before, and being heard by, a person appointed by the Secretary of State for that purpose.
Where under this paragraph the Secretary of State affords to the Authority an opportunity of appearing before, and being heard by, a person appointed for the purpose, it shall be the duty of the Secretary of State to afford an opportunity of appearing before, and being heard by, that person to every person who has made any representations or objection to the Secretary of State with respect to the application in question.