“CAA might allow VLA a/c to fly under a permit”
CS – VLA is a design code. If an aircraft is factory manufactured to CS – VLA it is put on a C of A and you are stuck with it. If the aircraft is designed to CS – VLA and it is home built it is put on a permit and life is good.
In the UK you cannot hire aircraft that are on a permit.
All CS – VLA aircraft are restricted to VFR, Day (both factory and home built)
As the owner, builder of a VLA I am something of a fan.
Rod1