5. If any objection duly made to the Department is not withdrawn, the Department—N.I.
(a)may, if it thinks it necessary to do so, afford to the person who made the objection and to the district council an opportunity of appearing before, and being heard by, a person appointed by the Department for that purpose; and
(b)shall consider any objection not withdrawn and, where a hearing takes place, the report of the person appointed for that purpose;
and may then confirm the order (either with or without modifications) or refuse to confirm the order.