A derelict pub has been sold for more than £3 million, paving the way for new homes to be built at the site.

Brent Council approved the decision to purchase The Falcon pub in Kilburn Lane from developer Londonewcastle last week.

The redevelopment of the site has been planned for more than a decade, when planning permission was granted for the demolition of the pub and three neighbouring buildings.

Under these plans, 137 flats, 39 of which were affordable, would have been built on the site close to Queen's Park station.

Londonewcastle and Brent Council had initially agreed to work in partnership to carry out the redevelopment, as part of the authority’s South Kilburn regeneration programme.

But work has not started on the site, and the council has now agreed to buy the freehold of the Falcon from Londonewcastle for £3.25 million.

In its decision, Brent Council said that the acquisition was vital to delivering “much needed affordable housing”.

The original scheme was approved by the council in 2012, so new planning permission will be required for work to start on the site.