(a)      Before the plan, or any part, is adopted, it shall be submitted to the Department of Planning and to the local planning commission, and governing body of each governmental subdivision within the region, not less than 60 days prior to a public hearing.

      (b)      Notice of the hearing shall be given by publication in newspapers of general circulation in each of the three counties comprising the Council, at least once per week for a period of three weeks prior to the hearing.

      (c)      The Department of Planning may make recommendations to the Council, on or before the date of the hearing, for its modification where necessary to achieve conformity with State plans and policies. Each local planning commission and governing body of each governmental subdivision within the region may make recommendations to the Council with respect to the effect of the plan within its governmental subdivision on or before the date of the hearing.

      (d)      Upon adoption of the plan by the Council after public hearing, the Council may not establish any policies or take any action which does not conform to the plan.

      (e)      The plan may be amended in the same manner as provided for the original adoption.