So an update on my process.
Route 1: I have been emailing a person at the HMRC and they have been helpful, they said any vehicle that has a break in its registration has to have a NOVA. So I tried to fill in the form online and it only has a country of purchase outside the UK so she told me to say Germany even though its wrong...it then went through. Got a message to ring and they said there was a back log and will get a result in a few days. Will keep you updated.
Route 2: When filling in the form above I rang to see what country I put, the person on the phone consulted a technical expert and they said a NOVA wasn't required in this instance but wouldn't send a letter to this effect.
Seems a mess to me so will keep you informed on progress, i dont want to queu up again and then be told I need NOVA, would rather have a letter so I have paid or dont need.
/p