Senior Brent councillors welcomed the opportunity for “greater control” over housing as they approved plans to buy two developments as part of an estate regeneration.

Brent Council’s cabinet agreed to the purchase of the ‘Gloucester and Durham’ blocks in South Kilburn, which are made up of 235 homes.

Cllr Shama Tatler, responsible for regeneration, property and planning, said the decision was the latest positive move surrounding development in the region.

“I’m really proud of the bold steps the council is taking in terms of looking at the different delivery programmes in South Kilburn,” she said.

“Our residents are hugely important to us and providing more housing should be one of our priorities.”

The blocks were previously owned by developer Telford Homes and housing association Notting Hill Genesis.

Cllr Tom Miller said the “greater level of control” the council would have over the homes should be celebrated.

He was supported by Cllr Eleanor Southwood, responsible for housing and welfare reform at Brent Council, who said they would help those in need of accommodation.

“This is an opportunity to offer permanent, secure homes to families who otherwise would not have one,” she explained.

A council report did not reveal the cost of the purchase under protection from the Local Government Act relating to financial affairs.

But it stated it would be covered by the council’s latest budget and, if the homes are rented out at London affordable rates, the investment would be paid back in around 50 years.

The council’s cabinet also agreed to ballot the residents of South Kilburn on whether it should continue with its regeneration programme for the area.

However, the Gloucester and Durham blocks are exempt from this since planning permission has already been obtained for the sites.