16.—(1) An application for leave under section 26(2) of the Act to appeal against a decision, a direction or an order of a tribunal must be made in the relevant Form.
(2) The applicant (called in this rule and rule 17 the appellant) must file the application within 14 days after the date on which the decision, direction or order was given or made.
(3) The appellant must, within 7 days after the date on which the application is filed, serve the application on the respondent.
(4) A respondent who intends to contest the application must, within 14 days after being served with the application, file and serve on the applicant a reply in the relevant Form.
(5) Where any party does not appear at the hearing of the application, the tribunal hearing the application may dismiss the application or make such orders as the tribunal thinks fit.