Brent Council has confirmed its commitment to delivering community-led housing at Brentfield Road, with plans to enter into a long lease arrangement with the Brent Community Land Trust (BCLT).
The decision, made by the Brent Cabinet on Monday 12 October 2026, signifies a significant step forward for the project, which aims to transform an underused garage site into 19 affordable one-bedroom homes, including wheelchair-accessible accommodation.
Councillor Matt Kelcher, Cabinet Member for Regeneration & Planning, highlighted the innovative, community-led model behind the scheme. He stated that the project is a transformation of an underused site into much-needed affordable housing.
The development will be managed in partnership with Sapphire Independent Housing, a registered provider with extensive experience in similar schemes. This collaboration aims to bring together council-owned land, community knowledge, and housing expertise to meet the identified need for more affordable homes in Brent.
Councillor Jake Rubin, Cabinet Member for Children's Services, Employment & Climate Action, welcomed the initiative, noting its potential benefit for the council's homeless waiting list and its role as a blueprint for future community land trust developments in Brent. He also highlighted that 50% of the allocation will be nominated by the council, which is a very good process.
The Brent Community Land Trust (BCLT) is a community-led organisation established by local residents and stakeholders with the aim of creating affordable homes. The homes built will be controlled for community benefit, with the Land Trust aiming to give the community a meaningful role in how homes are managed and stewarded for the future. Residents will have the opportunity to join the Trust as members by purchasing a £1 share, which provides voting rights on major decisions and opportunities for involvement in governance or volunteering.
A Local Lettings Plan
has been prepared, which sets out locally tailored lettings criteria that reflect the unique nature of the scheme and its objectives. This plan prioritises applicants with a meaningful local connection to Brent and Stonebridge Ward
and those who can demonstrate the ability to sustain a tenancy
with no significant unpaid rent arrears and no proven antisocial behaviour.
Specific projected rental costs for the 19 affordable one-bedroom homes are not detailed in the meeting information.
While planning permission, funding, and resolution of historic rights of way are still to be finalised, the Cabinet's decision delegates authority to officers to conclude these matters and move the project towards delivery. This move is seen as a positive step in addressing the borough's housing needs and fostering community involvement in housing development. The decision can be found in the Decisions Monday 12-Oct-2026 10.00 Cabinet
document.