Subject to paragraph 19 below, after considering objections (if any) to the proposed scheme which are not withdrawn and, where a local inquiry is held, the report of the person who held the inquiry, the Secretary of State may make or confirm the scheme either without modification or subject to such modifications as he thinks fit.

The power under this paragraph to make or confirm the scheme includes power to make or confirm it so far as relating to part of the proposals contained in it (either without modification or subject to such modifications as the Secretary of State thinks fit) while deferring consideration of the remaining part.