Proceedings before the appointed person
9.—(1) If the appointed person is satisfied that a submitted appeal complies with the requirements of regulation 8 in all material particulars, the appointed person must proceed to determine the appeal.
(2) The procedure for determining the appeal is to be decided by the appointed person.
(3) But that is subject to the following provisions of this regulation.
(4) Before determining the appeal the appointed person must, allowing such time as is reasonable—
(a)invite the appellant and the Welsh Ministers to submit representations and supporting documents in relation to the appeal;
(b)send to the Welsh Ministers a copy of any representations and supporting documents submitted by the appellant;
(c)send to the appellant a copy of any representations and supporting documents submitted by the Welsh Ministers;
(d)allow the appellant and the Welsh Ministers an opportunity to submit comments on each other’s representations and supporting documents to the appointed person.
(5) The appointed person may at any time request further information from the appellant or the Welsh Ministers.
(6) The appointed person may invite any person appearing to have a significant interest in an appeal to submit representations, but must allow the appellant and the Welsh Ministers an opportunity to submit comments on any representations made.
(7) The appointed person may disregard any representations, comments or documents which have been submitted other than in accordance with the provisions of these Regulations.
(8) The appointed person may, if satisfied that exceptional circumstances exist, convene an oral hearing.
(9) At an oral hearing the appellant and the Welsh Ministers have the right to appear, and the appointed person may permit any other party to appear.
(10) On determining an appeal, the appointed person must send a copy of the determination to all parties to the appeal.
(11) All parties to an appeal are to bear their own costs.
(12) An appeal may be withdrawn by the appellant at any time before it is determined by the appointed person.
(13) Withdrawal of an appeal is to be effected by the appellant giving notice in writing to the appointed person.
(14) If an appeal is withdrawn, the appointed person ceases to be under a duty to consider and determine it.