Revised plans for part of a major estate regeneration scheme have been given the go-ahead by councillors.

The second stage of the redevelopment of Grahame Park Estate in Colindale will see more than 2,000 homes built in blocks up to 15 storeys high, subject to the Mayor of London’s approval.

A previous bid to regenerate the 1970s estate – the largest in the borough – was turned down by the Mayor in 2017, partly because it failed to replace enough of the existing affordable housing.

The scheme was subsequently amended to increase the number of homes provided from 1,083 to 2,088, with 50 per cent classed as affordable.

On Monday (March 2), Barnet Council’s planning committee granted full permission for 209 homes in blocks up to 11 storeys.

Outline planning permission was also granted for up to 1,879 homes in blocks up to 15 storeys.

Facilities provided alongside the homes will include a health centre and community centre and nursery.

The planning committee’s decision will now be referred to the Mayor of London, as the application is classed as one of “strategic importance to London”.

Labour’s London Assembly Member for Barnet and Camden Andrew Dismore had opposed the scheme, claiming the design was “extremely poor” and the height of the blocks “completely unacceptable”.

Mr Dismore also called for people who had been temporarily housed at Grahame Park to be given “proper and permanent rehousing in the regenerated estate”.

At the planning meeting, a man who lives in nearby Great Field raised concerns on behalf of 53 residents who signed a petition objecting to the scheme.

He said: “The flats are considerably higher than what was planned. The height of the new build will impact on the light coming into our residences, the strength of communication networks, views and our privacy.”

The spokesman also raised concerns over increased traffic, a lack of shared space, and an alleged lack of transparency, claiming residents of Great Field had not been made aware of the plans until relatively recently.

But Bina Omare, chief executive of charity Colindale Communities Trust, said a number of residents and community groups were in favour of the development.

Ms Omare said: “It provides much-needed affordable housing. The delay to the regeneration has been far too long, and the lack of investment in existing properties has led to many residents living in substandard homes.

“[Problems] include leaks, pest infestation, lack of heating, overcrowding, mould – all having a negative impact on those with ill health and creating ongoing ill health.”

Tracy Lavers, director of regeneration at Notting Hill Genesis, said the scheme was “far better” than the version that was rejected by the mayor.

She added: “The run-down and harsh environment of the estate’s central concourse will be replaced with a new, tree-lined high street, properly connected into Colindale by bus, walking and cycling routes, and including community facilities, shops, restaurants and affordable workspaces.

“Down the quiet side streets will be a range of high-quality, well sized, bright homes in pleasant, green surroundings.”

The scheme was approved after Conservative members of the committee voted in favour, with Labour and the Liberal Democrats abstaining.