Section 74 Directions etc as to method of dealing with applications

(a)     for enabling the Secretary of State to give directions restricting the grant of planning permission [or permission in principle] by the local planning authority, either indefinitely or during such period as may be specified in the directions, in respect of any such development, or in respect of development of any such class, as may be so specified;

(b)     for authorising the local planning authority, in such cases and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by the order or by directions given by the Secretary of State under it, to grant planning permission[, or permission in principle,] for development which does not accord with the provisions of the development plan [or, in the case of an authority in England, any national development management policy];

(c)     for requiring that, before planning permission [or permission in principle] for any development is granted or refused, local planning authorities prescribed by the order or by directions