Under paragraph 1 of Schedule 4D to the Town and Country Planning Act 1990 (“TCPA 1990”), specified functions of the Welsh Ministers in respect of an application (or proposed application) for planning permission for development of national significance may be undertaken by a person appointed to do so on their behalf (“an appointed person”). Under paragraph 9 of that Schedule, the Welsh Ministers may direct that functions specified in the direction are to be exercised by them instead of by an appointed person in relation to an application.