A new Practice Direction (PD 51ZA) took effect yesterday. It is designed to introduce additional flexibility for parties to agree extensions of time where their ability to comply with deadlines is affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and to ensure that the court takes into account the impact of the pandemic when considering whether to grant an application for an extension.
Under the new provisions, parties can extend time by written agreement for up to 56 days, rather than 28 days as it was previously. Any extension beyond 56 days will require an application for the court's permission, which will be considered on the papers (though an order made on the papers must, on application, be reconsidered at a hearing).
The PD also provides: "In so far as compatible with the proper administration of justice, the court will take into account the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic when considering applications for the extension of time for compliance with directions, the adjournment of hearings, and applications for relief from sanctions."
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