11.—(1) Where following the expiry of the period within which the appropriate body is required to send its reply neither the appellant nor the appropriate body has requested an oral hearing, and the Council does not consider an oral hearing is necessary, the Council may decide the appeal without an oral hearing.
(2) Where following the expiry of the period within which the appropriate body is required to send its reply the appropriate body has not done so, the Council may allow the appeal without an oral hearing.
(3) If the Council decides the appeal without an oral hearing, it must send notice of its decision as required by paragraph 17 so that it is received by the appellant and the appropriate body within the period of 20 working days beginning with the day following the day on which the time limit for sending a reply expired.