177Q.—(1) Where the Board considers it necessary or expedient for the purposes of making a determination in respect of an application for substitute consent it may, in its absolute discretion, hold an oral hearing and shall, in addition to any other requirements under this Act or other enactment, as appropriate, consider the report and any recommendations of the person holding the oral hearing before making its determination.

(2) (a) An applicant for substitute consent, a planning authority or a person who makes submissions or observations under section 130 (as modified by section 177P(2)) in relation to the application for substitute consent may request an oral hearing of the application.

(b) (i) A request for an oral hearing of an application shall be made in writing to the Board and shall be accompanied by such fee (if any) as may be payable in respect of the request in accordance with section 144.

(ii) A request for an oral hearing of an application for substitute consent which is not accompanied by such fee (if any) as may be payable in respect of the request shall not be considered by the Board.

(c) A request by an applicant for substitute consent, a planning authority, or by a person who makes a submission or observation in relation to the application, for an oral hearing of the application, shall be made within the period specified in regulations under section 177N and any such request received by the Board after the expiration of that period shall not be considered by the Board.

(3) Where the Board is requested to hold an oral hearing of an application for substitute consent and decides to determine the application without an oral hearing, the Board shall serve notice of its decision on—

(a) the person who requested the hearing,

(b) the relevant planning authority, and

(c) on each person who has made submissions or observations to the Board in relation to the application (other than the person making the request under subsection 2(a)).

(4) (a) A request for an oral hearing may be withdrawn at any time.

(b) Where, following a withdrawal of a request for an oral hearing under paragraph (a), the application for substitute consent falls to be determined without an oral hearing, the Board shall give notice to the applicant for substitute consent, the planning authority and to each person who has made submissions or observations to the Board in relation to the application.]