In section 60 (local impact reports), after subsection (5) insert—

“(6)

In preparing a local impact report, an authority must have regard to any relevant guidance issued by the Secretary of State.

(7)

But that duty does not apply to an authority for an area that is in Scotland.”

After section 96 insert—

“96ARepresentations from public authorities

(1)

In making any representations about the application (oral or written), a relevant public authority must have regard to any guidance issued by the Secretary of State to assist such authorities in making representations for the purposes of the examination of an application.

(2)

“Relevant public authority” means a public authority within any of paragraphs (a) to (c) of section 56(2), except—

(a)

the Scottish Ministers,

(b)

a Northern Ireland department, or

(c)

any other public authority whose functions are exercisable only in or as regards Scotland or Northern Ireland.”