22 Proceedings relating to validity of initial notice.E+W
(1)Where—
(a)the reversioner in respect of the specified premises has given the nominee purchaser a counter-notice under section 21 which (whether it complies with the requirement set out in subsection (2)(b) or (c) of that section) contains such a statement as is mentioned in subsection (2)(b) of that section, but
(b)the court is satisfied, on an application made by the nominee purchaser, that the participating tenants were on the relevant date entitled to exercise the right to collective enfranchisement in relation to the specified premises,
the court shall by order make a declaration to that effect.
(2)Any application for an order under subsection (1) must be made not later than the end of the period of two months beginning with the date of the giving of the counter-notice to the nominee purchaser.
(3)If on any such application the court makes an order under subsection (1), then (subject to subsection (4)) the court shall make an order—
(a)declaring that the reversioner’s counter-notice shall be of no effect, and
(b)requiring the reversioner to give a further counter-notice to the nominee purchaser by such date as is specified in the order.
(4)Subsection (3) shall not apply if—
(a)the counter-notice complies with the requirement set out in section 21(2)(c), and
(b)either—
(i)an application for an order under section 23(1) is pending, or
(ii)the period specified in section 23(3) as the period for the making of such an application has not expired.
(5)Subsections (3) to (5) of section 21 shall apply to any further counter-notice required to be given by the reversioner under subsection (3) above as if it were a counter-notice under that section complying with the requirement set out in subsection (2)(a) of that section.
(6)If an application by the nominee purchaser for an order under subsection (1) is dismissed by the court, the initial notice shall cease to have effect at the time when the order dismissing the application becomes final.