PIP appeal - time extended for appeal response??

Hi, sorry I'm new here. Going through a PIP appeal for transition from DLA to PIP (under awarded and lies in the Consultation Report Form: including my wheelchair was for selfpropelling (never in a million years can it be self propelled due to its design plus my abilities!)). Today recieved a letter that an extension to the time for the production of the appeal response has been granted, which enclosed a directions notice.

I can't quite understand the lingo on the directions notice other than really DWP have an extra 21 days to do a response. Is this a positive or negative sign? Why will they need extra time?

Also, at the bottom it says... The party to whom this decision is issued, may, within 14 days of the date of issue, apply in writing to the Tribunal for the decsion to be considered afresh by a judge, under rule 4(3) of the Tribunal Procedure (First-tier Tribunal) (Soical Entitlement Chamber) Rules 2008 Who is "the party to whom this decision is issued" referring to, as it is respondent and appellant who DWP and myself have been referred to, just little confused.

Never been through an appeal before so all new to it and can't seem to find explanation of these online.

Also bit amusing I'm told on this that any new evidence must be sent no later than 21 days before the hearing date...well I requested they give no less than 14 days notice of date so knowing when the hearing date is might not be 21 days in advance!