16Approval of proposed quality contract scheme
(1)If, having complied with section 15 of this Act, a local transport authority wish to proceed with a proposed scheme, they shall apply to the Scottish Ministers for their approval of the proposed scheme.
(2)The application shall include—
(a)the authority’s reasons for wishing to make the scheme; and
(b)such other information as the Scottish Ministers may reasonably require, having regard to the conditions set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 13(1) of this Act.
(3)Any person consulted under section 15(3) of this Act may make written representations to the Scottish Ministers about the scheme.
(4)If the Scottish Ministers are satisfied that it is in the interests of the public that a proposed scheme be made, they may approve it—
(a)in the form in which it is submitted; or
(b)subject to subsection (6) below, subject to such modifications as they may specify.
(5)In determining what is in the interests of the public for the purpose of subsection (4) above the Scottish Ministers shall have particular regard to the conditions set out in paragraphs (a) and (b) of section 13(1) of this Act.
(6)If the Scottish Ministers propose to approve a scheme subject to modifications, they shall first inform the authority and that authority shall—
(a)consult such of the persons consulted by them under section 15(3) of this Act as are, in the opinion of the authority, likely to be affected by those modifications; and
(b)inform the Scottish Ministers of the outcome of that consultation.