The right to supply electricity within the area of jurisdiction of a local authority or to construct transmission or distribution lines for such supply through or over any portion of such area, shall, unless such supply is to the South African Transport Services for traction purposes, be subject to the consent of that authority: Provided that if it is alleged that such consent is unreasonably withheld, the matter shall be decided by the regulator after a public hearing at a time and place of which not less than 14 days' notice shall be given to the parties by the regulator.