18.—(1) An applicant may, at any time before or after making an application, submit a request in writing to the Secretary of State for a direction that any provision contained in rules 5, 9, 10 (other than paragraph (2)(g) of rule 10) and 12 to 15 shall not apply (or shall apply in part only) to an application he has made or proposes to make.
(2) A request made under paragraph (1) shall give reasons for the request.
(3) Where a request is made under paragraph (1) the Secretary of State may, where he is satisfied that it is impossible, impracticable or unnecessary for the applicant to comply with any provision contained in the rules mentioned in paragraph (1)—
(a)direct that the provision in question shall not apply, or shall apply in part only, to the application in question; and
(b)whether or not a direction has been given pursuant to sub-paragraph (a), direct that the applicant shall comply with the provision in question, or any part of it, at such later date as may be specified in the direction.