(1)     A local authority may request such further information from the applicant as it considers necessary to enable it to make a decision under section 231(3) of the Act and the applicant shall comply with any such request and the local authority shall not make a decision on the application until the applicant has supplied the requested information.

(2)     A local authority may request such further information from a prescribed body or any person who made a submission or observation in respect of the application as it considers necessary to enable it to make a decision under section 231(3) of the Act.

(3)     The local authority may, at its discretion, invite any other person to make a submission or observation to it in respect of an application.

(4)     The local authority may take whatever measures it considers necessary, including the convening of meetings or the taking of oral submissions, to seek the