36. — (1) Subject to subsection (2), where industrial plant to which a licence under this Act relates—

(a) has not commenced operations within three years after the date on which the licence was granted, or

(b) has ceased operations for a period of not less than three years,

the licence shall cease to have effect.

(2) Subsection (1) shall not have effect if a licence was granted prior to the construction, or to the commencement of the operations, of industrial plant and the local authority, having regard to the nature and extent of the construction works and any other relevant consideration, are satisfied that the licence should continue to be in force for such period as the local authority consider reasonable, having regard to all the circumstances.