Sia license refused and want to appeal?

I'm 24 years old and when I was 17 I was charged in crown court for affray and when I was 21 I was charged with battery and recently I applied fir an sia license and it was refused on thy basis even though when I checked the website and it said I can apply but I will nee refrences of good character which I supplied and for the whole duration of my application period they kept sending me letters to ammend confirm and correct either inconsistencies or errors on my application which I did and then they finally sent me my basic disclosure (crb check or criminal record check) and again I waited roughly 2 months and they finally sent me a letter of propose to refuse license then a few weeks later a refusal to give me a license why could they not just do my crim check and then say er we can't give you a license it would of saved their time and my time eater than keep me hanging on also I can appeal thier decision in a magistrates court within 21 days does anyone know if it's worky appealing and if I lose my appeal any idea how much the court costs will be? Thanksnin advance for your help and advice :-)