17.—(1) An application for variation may be made to the Scottish Ministers–
(a)where there has been a transfer of the whole of the permission under regulation 15, by the holder;
(b)where there has been a transfer of part of the permission under regulation 15, and where the proposed variation is in respect of that part, by the holder;
(c)where–
(i)a person (“a prospective transferee”) is considering entering into an agreement with the owner or holder for a transfer of the permission under regulation 15, either in whole or in part; and
(ii)the proposed variation relates to a part or the whole of the permission which is intended to be transferred,
by the prospective transferee; and
(d)in any other case, by the owner.
(2) An application under paragraph (1) (“a variation application”) shall, where the applicant is the holder or a prospective transferee (whether of the whole or part of the permission), be accompanied by a document signifying the owner’s consent in writing to the making of the application.
(3) Before deciding whether or not to grant a variation application, the Scottish Ministers shall–
(a)unless the dredging was determined to be a national defence project when permission was given for the dredging, determine, having regard to such of the selection criteria as are relevant to the proposed variation, whether or not the variation would constitute a relevant project; and
(b)determine whether or not the variation would constitute a habitats project.
(4) Where, in order to make a determination under paragraph (3), the Scottish Ministers consider it necessary, they may ask the person making the variation application to supply such further information within such specified period and in such form as may reasonably be required.
(5) If the applicant fails to supply the information requested under paragraph (4) within the specified period or such further period as the Scottish Ministers may allow, the application shall be deemed to be withdrawn.
(6) Before making a determination under paragraph (3), the Scottish Ministers shall consult–
(a)the owner (if the owner is not the applicant);
(b)the applicant; and
(c)such of the appropriate consultation bodies as they may consider necessary.
(7) As soon as is reasonably practicable after making a determination under paragraph (3), the Scottish Ministers shall–
(a)send a copy of it to the applicant, together with information about how the decision may be challenged;
(b)send a copy of it to any persons consulted under paragraph (6); and
(c)take such steps as the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate to ensure that it is made available to the public concerned.
(8) At the same time as sending to the applicant the copy of the determination under paragraph (7) the Scottish Ministers shall request payment of the appropriate fee under paragraph (10).
(9) If the fee is not paid within such period as the Scottish Ministers shall specify, or such further period as the Scottish Ministers may allow, the variation application shall be deemed to be withdrawn.
(10) The appropriate fee is–
(a)in a case where the Scottish Ministers determine under paragraph (3) that a proposed variation would constitute either a relevant project or a habitats project or both, £15,000; and
(b)in any other case, £4,000.