12. In Article 50 of the principal Order (conservation areas), for paragraph (3) substitute—
“(3) Subject to paragraph (3A), before making, varying or cancelling a designation under this Article, the Department shall consult with—
(a)the Historic Buildings Council;
(b)any appropriate district council;
(c)such other persons or bodies as may be prescribed.
(3A) A designation under this Article may be made without consulting the persons or bodies mentioned in paragraph (3)(c), but a designation made without such consultation shall only have effect for a period of 6 months beginning on the date on which the designation was made.”.