F14A(1)Where the Secretary of State decides under paragraph 4 above to consider an objection to an application under the written representations procedure, he shall give notice to the applicant and to every person who has made an objection to the application that, unless he receives a notice under sub-paragraph (2) below, the objection will be considered by written representations.E+W+S
(2)The written representations procedure shall not apply to an objection to an application if either the applicant or any person who has made an objection to that application gives the Secretary of State notice, no later than 28 days from the date on which the notice under sub-paragraph (1) above is served on him, that he does not wish to proceed by way of written representations.
(3)On receiving a notice under sub-paragraph (2) above, the Secretary of State shall give notice to the applicant and to every person who has made an objection to the application that the written representations procedure will not be used and–
(a)where a local planning authority is one of the objectors, that he will cause a public inquiry to be held in accordance with paragraph 4(1)(a) above;
(b)in any other case, that he will either cause a public inquiry to be held, or afford the objectors a hearing in accordance with paragraph 4(2) above.
(4)The Secretary of State shall cease considering an objection to an application under the written representations procedure if, at any time before he has determined whether to grant the application–
(a)the Secretary of State receives notice from the applicant or any person who has made an objection to the application to the effect that he does not wish to proceed by way of written representations; or
(b)the Secretary of State decides to cause a public inquiry to be held, or to afford the objectors a hearing, instead of proceeding by way of written representations.
(5)Where an objection to an application ceases to be considered under the written representations procedure by virtue of sub-paragraph (4) above, the Secretary of State shall give notice to the applicant and to every person who has made an objection to the application that that procedure has ceased and–
(a)where a local planning authority is one of the objectors, that he will cause a public inquiry to be held in accordance with paragraph 4(1)(a) above;
(b)in any other case, that he will either cause a public inquiry to be held, or afford the objectors a hearing in accordance with paragraph 4(2) above.
(6)The Secretary of State may at any time before he has determined whether to grant the application direct that the written representations procedure shall apply to an objection to an application from the date of the direction, but only if the applicant and every objector to the application consents to the use of that procedure.
(7)If a notice under sub-paragraph (5) above or a direction under sub-paragraph (6) above is given, the Secretary of State may direct that any step already taken in satisfaction of any requirement under any one of the three procedures (that is to say the public inquiry, hearing or written representations procedure) shall be deemed to any extent he thinks fit to be a step taken in satisfaction of any similar requirement under another of the procedures.