The Act Commission’s approval and consent Section 48: Obtaining Commission approval or consent
123.Section 48 amends section 58A of the 1993 Act, which sets out the procedure to be followed in obtaining the consent or approval of the Commission. The main change is to make the current process simpler by requiring the Commission simply to approve applications for consent, reject them, or approve them subject to conditions. Subsection (3) extends subsection (4) of section 58A of the 1993 Act to allow any person the Commission considers to have a relevant interest in the application to object to that application. Subsection (4) amends section 58A to allow the Commission, under new subsection (5A), to consider objections submitted after the 28 day period specified in section 58A(4) if they are satisfied that there is good reason why the objection was late. New subsection (5B) disapplies public notification and objection provisions in section 58A where an executor applies for the division of a croft pursuant to a bequest under section 10 of the 1993 Act.
124.Subsection (5) of section 48 amends section 58A(6) to set out more clearly the options open to the Commission in determining an application to which section 58A applies. Subsection (6) requires the Commission to grant an application made by an executor to divide the site of the dwelling house from the remainder of the croft. Subsection (7) replaces sections 58A(7) to (10) with new subsection (7), which sets out the factors to which the Commission are to have regard when considering applications. Subsections (8) and (9) make consequential changes to section 58A.
125.Subsection (10) inserts a new subsection (12A) into section 58A of the 1993 Act and details those persons who are to be notified by the Commission of a decision on an application. Subsection (12) inserts a new section 58B into the 1993 Act, which sets out the procedure for varying the conditions of approval or consent under section 58A as amended. New subsection 58B(2) sets out the Commission’s options for modification of a condition following application by the person who applied for the approval or consent and subsection (3) details those to be notified of the decision within 14 days of modification. Subsection (4) applies certain aspects of the section 58A procedures (e.g. the form in which an application must be made) to applications for modification of conditions under subsection 58B(2). Subsection (5) disapplies public notification and objection provisions in section 58A where the application relates to the division of a croft pursuant to a bequest under section 10 of the 1993 Act.