Why are you applying for planning permission?

1. Porches are normally exempt, and
2. If you are replacing an existing (ie repair and maintenance) then
you do not need to apply.

The planning officer will have a line manager. Speak to him/her.
In addition council employees only have about 30 days leave, plus bank
holidays plus flexi-leave (say about 50 days a year), so it is unlikely
that thay will be continually out of the office.

After 8 weeks from the original application, you could have appealed to
the Planning Inspectorate on the grounds of non-determination by the
council.

dg