12. If at any time it appears to the National Assembly that it is more appropriate that the appeal should be determined in a way which is different from the form which was notified under regulation 9(2) it may, after obtaining any consent of the Council or of the appellant required by the provisions of the 1981 Act, determine that the appeal is to continue in a form other than that notified and may give any consequential guidance as to the procedure to be applied in relation to the appeal, including identifying any steps which are required to be taken by the parties under these Regulations which are to be deemed to have already been taken and varying as necessary the time within which any such step which has not already been taken must be taken.