Paragraph 12 I1

Where any objections have been made in accordance with paragraph 9 the undertaker shall cause a local inquiry to be held for the purpose of considering the objections.

The local inquiry shall be held by a person appointed by the Secretary of State.

Subsections (2) and (3) of section 250 of the Local Government Act 1972^f1 shall apply to an inquiry under this paragraph as they apply to an inquiry under that section.

The Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1992^f2 shall apply to a local inquiry held under this paragraph as it applies to a statutory inquiry held by the Minister but as if in section 10(1) of that Act (statement of reasons for decision) the reference to any decision taken by the Minister were a reference to the decision taken by the undertaker.

A local inquiry need not be held under this paragraph if all persons who have made objections have withdrawn their objections in which case paragraph 10(1) shall apply.