Henry Boot says it is pre-tax profit for the calendar year to date is in line with expectations, despite concerns over planning delays.

The housing and property developer said in a trading update this morning that it is trading in line with analysts’ expectations at around £37.8m pre-tax profit for the year to date.

The firm, which turned over £340m last year, said its Stonebridge Homes housebuilding arm has secured 71% of its delivery target for the year of 250 homes. Improved mortgage rate affordability and product availability leave Stonebridge “encouraged” by the start of 2023, it said.