The Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1992

176.—(1) On an appeal under section 174 the Secretary of State may—

(a) correct any defect, error or misdescription in the hazardous substances contravention notice; or

(b) vary the terms of the hazardous substances contravention notice, if he is satisfied that the correction or variation will not cause injustice to the appellant or the hazardous substances authority.

(2) Where the Secretary of State determines to allow the appeal, he may quash the notice.

(2A) The Secretary of State shall give any directions necessary to give effect to his determination on the appeal.

(3) The Secretary of State—

(a) may dismiss an appeal if the appellant fails to comply with section 174(4); and

(b) may allow an appeal and quash the hazardous substances contravention notice if the hazardous substances authority fail to comply with regulation 19(2) of the Planning (Hazardous Substances) Regulations 1992.

(4) If the Secretary of State proposes to dismiss an appeal under paragraph (a) of subsection (3) or to allow an appeal and quash the hazardous substances contravention notice under paragraph (b) of that subsection, he need not comply with section 175(3).

(5) Where it would otherwise be a ground for determining an appeal under section 174 in favour of the appellant that a person required to be served with a copy of the hazardous substances contravention notice was not served, the Secretary of State may disregard that fact if neither the appellant nor that person has been substantially prejudiced by the failure to serve him.