57.—(1) If a development comprises or forms part of a project serving national defence purposes and in the opinion of the Secretary of State compliance with the Planning (Environmental Impact Assessment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999(1) would have an adverse effect on those purposes the Secretary of State may direct that those Regulations shall not apply to a project specified in the direction.
(2) The Secretary of State shall notify the Department of the Environment prior to making a direction.
(3) The Secretary of State shall send a copy of the direction to the relevant planning authority.