(1) The appropriate planning authority may associate with itself, in such manner and for such purposes as may be prescribed, any person whose assistance or advice it may consider necessary in performing any of its functions under this Act.
(2) Any person associated with the appropriate planning authority under sub-section (1) for any purpose shall have the right to take part in the discussions of the said authority relevant to that purpose but shall not have the right to vote and shall not be a member for any other purpose.