23.—(1) This regulation applies where notice has been given under regulation 17 that a public inquiry or, where the appointed person is the determining authority, a hearing is to be held in relation to the application or proposal.
(2) Where a registration authority is the determining authority and considers it reasonable in the circumstances it may, subject to paragraph (3), decide at any time before the start of a public inquiry to cancel the inquiry and determine the application without holding an inquiry.
(3) The registration authority must consult the applicant before deciding to cancel a public inquiry in relation to an application.
(4) Where an appointed person is the determining authority and considers it reasonable in the circumstances it may, subject to paragraph (5), decide at any time before the start of a public inquiry or hearing—
(a)to cancel the inquiry or hearing and determine the application without holding an inquiry or hearing; or
(b)to hold a hearing instead of an inquiry, or vice versa.
(5) The appointed person must consult—
(a)the applicant, before deciding to change the procedure for determining an application; or
(b)the referring authority, before deciding to change the procedure for determining a proposal.