British Citizenship: documents return

[Lnd2018]

Dear All
I have applied for BC recently (5 feb 2018) and in mean time requested my documents back as I will be travelling.
As I did not receive them writhin the sla they mentioned (10 days) I submitted another request for documents return.
Finally they sent the documents back with letter stating that they have not starting yet looking at my case, And they may need the documents later on.

Did anyone come across similar case?
Did anyone have to send back the documents prior getting approval?

PS: I was not able to find early appointment for nationality check service, that why I had to send the documents by post.

Thanks for the help in advance.