Paragraph 26 Further informationI1

Where an application has been made under paragraph 25 the discharging authority has the right to request such reasonable further information from the undertaker as is necessary to enable it to consider the application.

If the discharging authority considers further information is needed, and the requirement does not specify that consultation with a requirement consultee is required, it must, within 21 days of receipt of the application, notify the undertaker in writing specifying the further information required.

If the requirement indicates that consultation must take place with a consultee the discharging authority must issue the consultation to the requirement consultee within 5 working days of receipt of the application. Where the consultee requires further information they must notify the discharging authority in writing specifying the further information required within 21 days of receipt of the consultation. The discharging authority must notify the undertaker in writing specifying any further information requested by the consultee within 5 working days of receipt of such a request.

In the event that the discharging authority does not give such notification as specified in sub-paragraph (2) or (3) it is deemed to have sufficient information to consider the application and is not thereafter entitled to request further information without the prior agreement of the undertaker.