How long after applying for eviction?

Possession - Section 8 and Section 21

I served a section 21 notice on my tenant, expiring at the beginning of February. My tenant has looked unsuccessfully for alternative accommodation but like many, can't find anything comparable for the same price in the area. He is therefore unable to move. I applied to the court for a possession order and submitted all the necessary documents and evidence in triplicate. I posted by recorded delivery post and can see that the papers were received by the court. Nearly a month has gone by and I haven't received anything at all from the court....not even a basic acknowledgment of receipt of the application. Is this normal? 
I know the courts are heavily burdened at the moment, but I had assumed I would at least get an acknowledgment.