Regulation 4 Appraisal term or initial term

(1)

The appraisal term may not exceed the period necessary to—

(a)

generate the information necessary to select a storage site, and

(b)

prepare the documents required for an application under regulation 6.

(2)

Subject to paragraph (1), the appraisal term may be extended by the authority at the written request of the licence holder, under the conditions laid down by the licence, provided that the authority is satisfied that any exploration so far carried out has been in accordance with the licence.

(3)

If the licence does not include an appraisal term—

(a)

the licence must specify a period as the “initial term” for the purpose of paragraph (4)(a), but

(b)

that initial term may be extended under the conditions laid down by the licence.

(4)

The licence expires (unless sooner terminated in accordance with its provisions)—

(a)

at the end of the appraisal term or the initial term, if no application for a storage permit is made before that date, or

(b)

if such an application is refused, when that refusal is notified to the licence holder.