2.—(1) An appeal is to be made by sending a notice of appeal to the proper officer so that it is received within the period of 20 working days beginning with the date on which the appellant received notice under regulation 14(5) (a) of the disputed decision.
(2) The Council may extend the time limit imposed by sub-paragraph (1), whether or not it has already expired, but must not do so unless it is satisfied that not to extend the time limit would result in substantial injustice.
(3) Where the appellant considers it likely that a notice of appeal will be received outside the time limit imposed by sub-paragraph (1) the notice of appeal may be accompanied by a statement of the reasons relied upon to justify the delay and the Council must consider any such statement in deciding whether or not to extend the time limit.