(1) Where a Regional Spatial Planning Committee confirms the position of a District Assembly in the region that an existing local plan conforms to the structure plan of the district, a reference to a zoning scheme under this Act includes a reference to that local plan in respect of the area it covers.

(2) The Regional Spatial Planning Committee shall not confirm that a local plan conforms with a structure plan unless the local plan has been subjected to public consultation in accordance with the procedure under section 174.

(3) The public comments shall be considered at a formal meeting which shall be held within thirty days after the expiration of the time stated in the advertisement for the submission of public comments.