Two large tower blocks will be added to a major housing development on the former Colindale Hospital site after final-phase plans were approved last night.

Fairview New Homes will erect the buildings of between five and nine storeys, containing 157 flats, on the Colindale Avenue site.

The plans also include 242 square metres of commercial space for shops and offices, as well as car parking and landscaping.

The latest application represents the final phase of a major redevelopment of the former medical institute, which was closed down in 2008.

The developer was granted permission to build more than 700 homes on the former hospital in 2009 in a provisional deal that would have seen Barnet College move onto the site.

But when the college opted to move to the Grahame Park Estate regeneration instead, Fairview was forced to enter revised plans for the final phase that were accepted by Barnet Council’s planning committee last night.

Under the new deal, the developer will pay the local authority almost £2million for education provision.

The planning consent represents the final phase of the redevelopment of the dilapidated buildings, which were closed down in 2008 after existing on the site for more than 100 years.

Of 851 residents and businesses contacted about the most recent plans, 18 sent letters of objection, citing reason including increased parking and traffic, as well as the bulk and density of the development.

But at Hendon Town Hall last night, committee members approved the application, which must be constructed within the next three years.