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The skyscraper, which at 32 storeys will be the highest tower in Leeds, was due for completion in April. The contractor has put in the claim to clients Landmark Developments and St James Securities.

A Bovis spokesperson said: 鈥淲e are putting in a claim for an extension of time from the client.

鈥淭he project is four months behind, but we believe there are mitigating circumstances because of high winds and bad weather.鈥�

The Aedas-designed tower first hit problems in July this year when concrete contractor RCG went into administration.

RCG, which had a 拢10m contract on the project, has since been replaced by PC Harrington. However, Bovis admitted that the switch had hindered progress on the project.

We believe there are mitigating circumstances due to high winds and bad weather

Bovis Lend Lease spokesperson

The Bovis spokesperson said: 鈥淭wo factors have contributed to the delay: the weather and the demise of RCG. However, PC Harrington鈥檚 work on the site has been progressing well.鈥�

News of the delay comes after the Meteorological Office warned that construction firms were not adequately prepared for the effects of climate change on work in the UK. Last month, a spokesperson warned that this winter, expected to be the coldest for a generation, could lead to unforeseen delays on projects.

Under most contracts extreme weather conditions permit contractors to lodge claims for extensions of time. However, if the weather was predicted at the start of the job, the contractor may be expected to factor it into the programme. Contractors also have to prove that weather was exceptionally bad in order to gain compensation for delays.