For the purpose of considering objections made to a local plan the local planning authority may, and shall in the case of objections so made in accordance with regulations under this Part of this Act, cause a local inquiry or other hearing to be held by a person appointed by the Minister or, in such cases as may be prescribed by regulations under this Part of this Act, by the authority themselves, and—
(a) section 290(2) and (3) of the Local Government Act 1933 (power to summon and examine witnesses) shall apply to an inquiry held under this section as it applies to an inquiry held under that section ;
(b) the Tribunals and Inquiries Act 1958 shall apply to a local inquiry or other hearing held under this section as it applies to a statutory inquiry held by the Minister, but as if in section 12(1) of that Act (statement of reasons for decisions) the reference to any decision taken by the Minister were a reference to a decision taken by a local authority.
Regulations made for the purposes of subsection (1) above may—
(a) make provision with respect to the appointment and qualifications for appointment of persons to hold a local inquiry or other hearing under that subsection, including provision enabling the Minister to direct a local planning authority to appoint a particular person, or one of a specified list or class of persons ;
(b) make provision with respect to the remuneration and allowances of a person appointed for the said purpose.