Despite section 26, if a person applies for a licence under section 17 before the end of the transition period and the Authority decides to grant the licence under Part 3, the Authority may—
(a) specify the date on which the licence comes into force; and
(b) specify an expiry date (within the meaning of section 26) that is a date no later than 3 years and 6 months from the date specified under paragraph (a).