291.Paragraph 7 applies where the proposed scheme has been called in by the Scottish Ministers and requires them to hold a public local inquiry, unless all objections made by relevant objectors are withdrawn. Paragraph 7(3) applies provisions of the Local Government (Scotland) Act 1973 concerning local inquiries to inquiries held under paragraph 7. The Scottish Ministers must consider the material received by them under paragraph 5(5) as well as the report of the person who held the public local inquiry before either confirming the proposed scheme either with or without modifications, or rejecting the scheme.
292.The Scottish Ministers may not confirm a scheme with modifications unless they have notified relevant objectors and anyone else they consider to be affected of the proposed modifications at least 28 days before confirming the scheme, given them an opportunity to make objections about the proposed modifications, and considered any objections made as a result. Sub-paragraph (6) requires the Scottish Ministers to notify the local authority of their decision as soon as reasonably possible.