Preliminary determination of the Scottish Ministers
6.—(1) Any person who proposes to carry out dredging may request the Scottish Ministers to make a preliminary determination as to–
(a)whether or not the dredging would constitute a relevant project; and
(b)whether or not the dredging would comprise or form part of a habitats project.
(2) Before making a preliminary determination in response to a request under paragraph (1), the Scottish Ministers shall consult–
(a)the owner, (if the owner is not the person requesting the determination); and
(b)the appropriate consultation bodies.
(3) The Scottish Ministers may ask the person making the request under paragraph (1) to supply such further information within such specified period and in such form as may reasonably be required.
(4) If the person making the request under paragraph (1) fails to supply the information requested within the specified period, or such further period as the Scottish Ministers may allow, the request shall be treated as withdrawn.
(5) In making a preliminary determination in response to an application under paragraph (1)(a) the Scottish Ministers shall take into account such of the selection criteria as are relevant in the particular case.
(6) As soon as is reasonably practicable after making a preliminary determination, the Scottish Ministers shall–
(a)send a copy of it to the person making the request under paragraph (1) and to any persons consulted under paragraph (2); and
(b)take such steps as the Scottish Ministers consider appropriate to ensure that it is made available to the public concerned.