CCW are having difficulty with the applicant's proposed SOCG and are finding it difficult to agree the SOCC by the deadline stated in the R8 letter (25 April). Can the deadline be extended, what will happen if CCW misses the deadline?

If a document is received after the stated deadline in the examination timetable indicated in the R8 letter it is at the ExA's discretion to decide whether or not to consider the document. CCW will therefore wish to consider whether they can put forward their position in relation to the emerging draft statement of common ground by the stated deadline.
The next deadline in the examination timetable (25 May 2012) is for all interested parties to submit their comments on the representations received to date on the application - including any statement of common ground - or emerging statement of common ground submitted by the 25 April. While the timetable does not include any express requirement for the submission of a statement of common ground for the 25 May deadline, there is nothing to stop the applicant and other interested parties to continue working on agreeing (a) statement(s) of common ground in areas where this has not yet been possible to date.