hi colin,
having been thru the process myself (filed last aug 09), the timeframe was 3 1/2 weeks to 4 weeks from the time i submitted my app form to ncs.
as far as i know you can't deliver it in person, you can have it checked though by NCS http://www.ukba.homeoffice.gov.uk/br...rvice/#header1 .
if you are concerned about getting your docs back quickly you might as well go thru NCS route as they only need to copy it and give your docs (i.e. passport, life in the uk result etc etc) back as soon as the copied it.
I hope I was able to help. Good luck