21.—(1) Where the appointed person decides that a hearing is to be held in relation to an application or proposal for which it is the determining authority, it must appoint an inspector to hold the hearing.
(2) A hearing is to take the form of a discussion led by the inspector.
(3) Paragraphs (2) and (4) to (9) of regulation 18 apply to a hearing as they apply to a public inquiry.
(4) Subject to regulation 18(5) to (7)—
(a)in the case of an application, the applicant is entitled to give, or to call another person to give, oral evidence; and
(b)any other person may give oral evidence with the permission of the inspector.
(5) Cross-examination is not permitted unless the inspector decides that it is necessary to ensure a sufficient examination of the issues.