Time-limits for determining applications
16.—(1) SEPA shall determine an application–
(a)for an authorisation under regulation 8, within 30 days; and
(b)for an authorisation under regulation 9 within 4 months,
beginning with the date on which it receives the application; but may determine it within such other period as may be agreed in writing with the applicant.
(2) For the purposes of calculating the periods mentioned in paragraph (1), SEPA shall disregard any periods–
(a)beginning with the date on which it serves notice under regulation 13(2) and ending with the date by which any written representations must be made under regulation 13(4); and
(b)beginning with the date it requests information under regulation 14(1) and ending with the expiry of the period specified or agreed under regulation 14(2).
(3) Where SEPA fails to determine the application within the period provided for in paragraph (1) the application shall be deemed to have been refused.
(4) Where paragraph (3) applies, SEPA shall notify the applicant of that refusal and the reasons for it.