BusinessPersimmon leaps despite delays on planning go-aheadsPersimmon: The housebuilder said securing planning permission on certain sites is difficultNeil Hall/ReutersRussell Lynch8 November 2017Gaining planning approval for new homes remains “as challenging as ever”, housebuilder Persimmon warned on Wednesday in a shot across the bows of the Government.The blue-chip builder’s comments come a fortnight ahead of a Budget in which Chancellor Philip Hammond is under pressure to come up with plans to boost housing supply.February’s White Paper to fix a “broken” housing market included measures such as “quicker and more effective processing and determination of planning applications”. But Persimmon has seen little evidence of that so far, saying that achieving detailed planning consent for land identified under local plans “is proving as challenging as ever”, according to chief executive Jeff Fairburn.Persimmon has, however, booked £909 million in sales for next year, 10% ahead of this point last year, while pricing remains “firm”. But the shares fell 78p to 2796p, or 3%. Read MoreWH Smith hire turnaround veteran with package that could be worth £25mBlue Posts boss: If opening a pub becomes so risky, people just won't do itCulpeper pub boss: Rates system is not fit for purpose — and not fairSponsoredReset your wellbeing for the year ahead“We continue to see stiffening headwinds for the housebuilders,” Shore Capital’s Robin Hardy said. MORE ABOUTPersimmonHousebuilders