Questione giuridica chiave
Whether a timely request to extend a deadline for a written submission may be ignored before deciding the case.
Decisione estratta
No. A timely extension request must be dealt with; if extension is refused, a short grace period must be set before a decision is taken.
Motivazione estratta
The right to be heard includes the right to comment before a decision and the authority's duty to take positive procedural steps. Under § 10 VRG, a timely and reasoned extension request requires either an extension or a formal refusal with a short additional deadline. Deciding the matter without handling the request breaches the right to be heard.