EPN is not approving any more applications as of now, So better wait and apply later on.
I was thinking of trying to use pepperjam for ebay if thats quicker
Thats not entirely true. They approved me for US/UK. You just to make sure that your website is up to par. Make it professional looking, apply and then wait about a week.
Can the site you submit for approval be a BANS or phpbay site, or should it be just a content site? What do you recommend?
Ebay needs to hire a new people to handle all the backlogged applications from what I hear on the inside. Though you add the reduction of 1600 employees the other day and it's doubtful it will get much better anytime soon.