Q7 Are there other bodies beyond those proposed in regulation 6(4) from whom it should be possible to seek further representations?
42. A large number of respondents felt that that bodies proposed in regulation 6(4) were adequate.
43. Dumfries and Galloway Council stated that "any other party who in the opinion of the appointed person is in a position to add to the evidence which is material to consideration of the issue should be added to the list". This view was also expressed by a number of other respondents.
44. Below is a list of all the bodies that were suggested by respondents:
- Department for Business, Enterprise and Regulatory Reform
- Ministry of Defence
- Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs
- Other UK Government Departments who may have and interest
- Network Rail
- Forestry Commission
- Sportsscotland
- Regional Transport Partnerships
- Transport scotland
- Historic Scotland
- The Coal Authority (where there are suspicions of mineral instability)
- Community Councils
45. The RSPB felt that the reporter should have the flexibility to seek information from whoever he/she sees fit. They stated that "we believe that it should be possible for the appointed person to seek information from any other party that they consider likely to be able to provide additional relevant information that would assist in their assessment of an issues".
46. Moray Council also felt that a list could be restrictive. They stated that "there may be a need on some occasion to take advice/consult with a body which is not on the list, and therefore this seems restrictive. It may be desirable to consult with community groups to confirm or substantiate some aspect of public opinion, whether any public meetings were taken, etc. This would not be possible if a prescriptive list is in place".