General
47Power to expand or develop existing towns.
The powers conferred by this Act to create a new town may be exercised for the expansion or development of an existing town where the Minister, after consultation with any [F1 district councils] who appear to him to be concerned, is satisfied that—
(a)
in the interests of Northern Ireland; and
(b)
because the scale of the proposed expansion or development and the pace thereof necessary to secure its accomplishment within a reasonable period of time are of a degree—
(i)
comparable with that involved in the creation of a new town, and
(ii)
greater than could reasonably be expected to be attained by the council of the …F2 district in which the town is situated, or all such councils, acting within their resources,
it is expedient that those powers should be so exercised; and references in this Act to a new town or a proposed new town shall be construed accordingly.