Denied VAT number - have tried to contact, Sent letter, email, multiple phone calls.

My company has had its VAT registration refused by HMRC due to a claimed lack of evidence that we are making or intending to make taxable supplies. However, we are actively preparing for the production of a feature film, with locked-in contracts, an active business bank account, and planned VAT-taxable purchases exceeding £80,000. We have: ✅ A business bank account. ✅ Service contracts commissioning production work. ✅ Filming locations secured for production this summer. ✅ Planned VAT-taxable purchases, including catering, accommodation, equipment hire, and crew costs, all from VAT-registered suppliers. ✅ A qualified accountant supporting our VAT application, confirming that we meet the criteria for registration. Given this, I don’t understand why our VAT number has been refused. Who can I contact directly to resolve this, and how can we escalate the issue further? I have sent a 10 page appeal letter with supporting evidence - posted and recorded as received to the appeals address. I have phoned 3x now and waited on hold, when finally speaking to someone (all who have been helpful) they cannot tell me the reason why nor put me through to the department who deal with this, who operate a 'no call' department?! I was today given an email contact but not sure that has been received either. Any advice would be greatly appreciated! I genuinely am not sure what I have done wrong or how best to deal with something, it is my understanding that I'm legally entitled to a VAT number?

Hi,
We are  sorry you are having difficulties in obtaining a VAT number.
We do have to scrutinise each application which we receive to make sure that the application is genuine and eligible.
The correct email address is vrs.newregistrations@hmrc.gov.uk.
We will respond to this email as quickly as we can.
Thank you.

Hi there, Thank you for the reply - Email sent to the address you stated on 21st May. Any idea at all when a reply can be expected? It's been nearly a month since I sent recorded tracked post with appeal letter and documentation to the HMRC registration address. Best Regards

Hi,
Please see the following link on when to expect a reply from HMRC.
Check when you can expect a reply from HMRC
Thank you.