Brent Housing Partnership (BHP) and Brent Council are celebrating after receiving £412,500 to build new family sized housing.

The Housing Corporation announced the first round of funding allocation for the 2008 -11 National Affordable Housing Programme on 26 February. This is the first time that ALMOs have been allocated money to develop new homes. BHP's allocation of £412,500 was the highest award of the three successful bids (the others were Sheffield Homes and Derby Homes).

The announcement launches BHP's plans, in partnership with Brent Council, to build 35 new homes. The £412,500 will start the programme, but bids for the further instalments will be made during the next three years to complete all 35 homes. The much-needed three and four bedroom houses will be built on existing council owned sites following consultation with local residents.

BHP Managing Director Helen Evans said: "I am very pleased that BHP has been allocated this money to develop affordable housing in the borough. This is a new departure for us which marks a new chapter in our development as an organisation. Working in partnership with Brent Council we will provide 35 high quality family homes. This is a small beginning to what we hope will become a significant contribution to meeting the housing needs of the people of Brent."

Martin Cheeseman, Brent Council's Director of Housing and Community Care said: "This funding will help to provide more family sized homes in a borough where there has been a shortage in the social housing sector. It is a step in the right direction and will help to meet the challenges of providing homes for Brent's residents."