(1)Section 62 of the 2003 Act (appeals to Lands Tribunal: valuations) is amended as follows.
(2)In subsection (7), after “reasons”, where it second occurs, insert “—
(a)within 8 weeks of hearing the appeal, or
(b)where subsection (7A) applies, by such later date referred to in paragraph (b)(ii) of that subsection.”.
(3)After section (7), insert—
“(7A)This section applies where—
(a)the Lands Tribunal considers that it is not reasonable to issue a written statement mentioned in subsection (7) by the time limit specified in paragraph (a) of that subsection, and
(b)before the expiry of that time limit, the Lands Tribunal has notified the parties to the appeal—
(i)that the Tribunal is unable to issue a written statement by that time limit, and
(ii)of the date by which the Tribunal will issue such a written statement.”.
(4)In subsection (8), for the words from “to” to the end of the subsection, substitute “—
(a)to comply with the time limit specified in paragraph (a) of subsection (7) above, or
(b)to issue a written statement by the date referred to in paragraph (b) of that subsection.”.
(5)After subsection (8), insert—
“(8A)Where the owner of the land or the community body appeals under this section, the owner or, as the case may be, the community body must, within 7 days of the date on which the appeal is made, notify Ministers in writing of—
(a)the making of the appeal, and
(b)the date of the making of the appeal.
(8B)The Lands Tribunal must send a copy of the written statement of reasons issued under subsection (7) to Ministers.
(8C)Failure to comply with subsection (8A) or (8B) has no effect on—
(a)the community body’s right to buy the land, or
(b)the validity of the appeal.”.