Thanks, Dr Jack. That puts my mind somewhat at ease. Usually I renew over a month in advance but, alas, not possible this year.
When you say "up till date of expiry of permission of stay" does that include the day itself, for example, if the date stamped in the passport is October 26, is it possible to apply on the 26th?
(Not an ideal situation, to be sure, and hopefully not necessary, but better to know just in case.)