Regulation 10 Procedure at hearing

Subject to the following paragraphs of this regulation, the procedure at the hearing shall be determined by the reporter.

The hearing shall be held in public.

The reporter may allow an objector or person interested in the subject matter of the hearing to be heard in person or be represented by an authorised representative.

The reporter shall consider any written representations submitted by any objector or any other person interested in the subject matter of the hearing.

If all objectors submit written representations to the hearing, and no objector has intimated a desire to be heard in support of their objections, then the reporter may require the authority to submit representations in writing in place of holding a hearing.

The reporter may refuse to hear any person, or allow to be put forward for consideration at the hearing any representations made by any person, if the reporter is satisfied that such representations are frivolous or vexatious or that such views have already been adequately stated by some other person at the hearing.

If any objector who has intimated a desire to be heard at the hearing fails to attend the hearing, the objection made by that objector may be deemed to be withdrawn.

If at any time, whether as a result of any objection being deemed to be withdrawn in accordance with paragraph (7) or otherwise, all objections to a designation have been withdrawn or are deemed to have been withdrawn, then the reporter shall abandon the hearing forthwith notify the authority in writing that all objections have been withdrawn and the authority may proceed to make the designation without any further hearing taking place.