Member

The provisions allow for various procedures to be used in such circumstances, at the discretion of a reporter appointed by the Scottish Government. These may include holding one or more hearing sessions, or indeed a public inquiry. It is important to stress that the public inquiry route is not being removed as a result of these measures. The measures will, though, introduce a fair, efficient and proportionate system for handling objections. However, this amendment would retain the status quo, whereby any local authority objection to an application for consent would be referred to a public inquiry. The impact of this would be contrary to the aims and objectives of the Bill, so I cannot support it. For the reasons I have outlined, I therefore kindly ask the noble Lord not to press his amendments.