10.—(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the lead authority may, within a period of 14 days beginning with the day on which an objection described in regulation 9 is received, request such further information or evidence from the objector as that authority considers necessary in order to reach a decision as to whether the objection is an admissible objection or the objector is a relevant operator.
(2) The lead authority may, with the written consent of the objector, extend the 14 day period specified in paragraph (1).
(3) If the lead authority requests information or evidence in accordance with paragraph (1) the authority must specify the period within which such information or evidence is to be submitted by the objector and that period must—
(a)be not less than 14 days beginning with the day on which the request is issued by the authority; and
(b)be of sufficient length, taking into account the nature and complexity of the request, to provide the objector with a reasonable period within which to respond.
(4) If the objector fails to respond to a request under paragraph (1) within the period specified in the request in accordance with paragraph (3) the lead authority may nevertheless proceed to make a decision under regulation 11.