Hundreds more flats could be built at a post-war council estate to meet the borough’s soaring demand for homes.

Barnet Council wants to build six new blocks of flats up to seven stories high at the Fosters Estate in Hendon.

The development would provide an extra 217 homes – half of which would be classed as affordable.

The new homes would be built in-between 11 existing blocks of flats, which date back to the 1960s.

They would include 75 units of ‘extra-care’ accommodation designed to help older people live independently.

With Barnet’s population set to grow by almost a fifth in the next 25 years, the council is looking to “innovative” ways of providing new homes without building on the green belt.

But it has received nearly 300 objections to the scheme, which is due to be considered by the planning committee on Thursday (October 10).

Some opponents claim the new buildings would be too close to existing blocks and the resulting development would be too dense.

Others warn of the impact on traffic and access, along with the loss of trees and wildlife habitats.

The council says the new buildings would be lower than the existing blocks and “within the London Plan’s guidance for density”.

It claims introducing permit parking would reduce traffic problems, which are mainly caused by non-residents leaving their cars on the estate.

The council adds: “We have modelled and tested the proposals in detail to ensure the scheme limits any overshadowing impact on the daylight and sunlight enjoyed by existing homes.”

Redeveloping the estate would involve knocking down Cheshire Hall, which features 28 units of sheltered accommodation.

The council says this block “no longer meets current housing needs or standards”.

Barnet Council’s planning committee will meet to discuss the proposals at 6.30pm on Thursday, October 10, at Hendon Town Hall.