8.—(1) Subject to sub-paragraphs (2) and (3), if this paragraph applies SEPA must ensure that—
(a)the application or proposed SEPA initiated variation is publicised in such manner as SEPA thinks fit;
(b)public consultees are invited to make representations;
(c)the address to which and period within which such representations may be made is specified to the public consultees; and
(d)copies of the application or proposed SEPA initiated variation are made available to the public for such period, being a period of at least 28 days, as SEPA may determine (“the consultation period”).
(2) In fulfilling the duties in sub-paragraph (1)(a) or (b), SEPA may require the applicant or authorised person to take such steps as SEPA considers appropriate.
(3) Where the applicant fails to take the steps required by SEPA, SEPA may by further notice deem the application to be withdrawn.
(4) Where an application is deemed to be withdrawn under sub-paragraph (3), the applicant is not entitled to the refund of any fee which accompanied it.
(5) Where an authorised person fails to take the steps required by SEPA in the case of a SEPA initiated variation, SEPA may take those steps and may recover the costs it reasonably incurs in doing so from that person.
(6) SEPA must consider all representations made in connection with an application or SEPA initiated variation which are received during the consultation period.
(7) SEPA must not inform the public consultees of information which is to be excluded from the register in the interests of national security or commercial confidentiality unless the Scottish Ministers direct that it must do so.
(8) In this paragraph, “public consultee” means—
(a)a person whom SEPA considers is affected by, is likely to be affected by, the application;
(b)a statutory body—
(i)required to be consulted by SEPA in terms of the technical schedule; or
(ii)whom SEPA thinks fit to consult.