Holloway,
Well done - seems like only a few months ago you were starting out!
As far as I am aware, the CAA charter is to turn the licence application around within 10 working days of receiving the CORRECT (error free) paperwork. If they cannot process it due to an error or omission, the clock starts over.
You can bring the application and supporting documentation in yourself (I did), but this just helps to ensure that the paperwork is correct - you can't get a licence issued there and then. It still took 16 working days to get my licence.
It probably isn't worth going to collect it as they send it out recorded next day delivery.
Cheers
SD