A £50m public–private partnership housing scheme in north London has been delayed by up to two months.
Teams led by contractors Carillion, Countryside Properties, Galliford Hodgson and Willmott Dixon are believed to be among six consortiums that were vying for inclusion on a shortlist of three, which was to be named at the end of last month.

But Stonebridge Housing Action Trust has decided to delay the announcement after concerns were raised by some of the bidders that a registered social landlord had not been signed up for the project.

Under the terms of the 25-year, 1400-home scheme, residents may decide to choose Brent council or a housing association as landlord.

Stonebridge Housing Action Trust policy adviser Steve Madell said: "At interview stage, some bidders said that they wanted a social landlord in place before the contract is signed.

"We're now agreeing a timetable and process of selection to identify one or more social landlords." This timetable will be in place by the time the shortlist is announced at the end of next month.

Several consortiums had included a housing association. One of these said: "We didn't have a problem with how things were going."