A regeneration scheme has been approved by the Mayor of London after the number of homes planned for the site nearly doubled.

The redevelopment of the Grahame Park Estate, in Colindale, will see 2,088 new homes built in blocks up to 15 storeys high.

More than 1,000 of the homes will be classed as affordable, with 346 available at social rent levels.

The scale of the development meant it had to be approved by Mayor of London Sadiq Khan after the getting the nod from local councillors back in March.

Mr Khan refused permission for a smaller version of the regeneration scheme in 2017 – partly because it failed to replace enough of the existing affordable housing.

The plans were subsequently revised to increase the number of homes from 1,083 to 2,088.

A Greater London Authority report states the revised scheme secures “like-for-like replacement social rented floorspace, with an overall increase in low-cost rent accommodation by floorspace and habitable rooms”.

It has now been approved by the Mayor under delegated powers and will be developed by housing association Notting Hill Genesis and Barnet Council.

Community facilities, including a community centre and a day nursery, will also be provided, alongside new green spaces and play areas.

Notting Hill Genesis chief executive Kate Davies said: “The GLA’s decision is very welcome and will bring a huge benefit to the area, both in terms of new homes and fantastic new facilities. It is important to us that we go beyond bricks and mortar and help establish a high-quality neighbourhood with the community at its heart.

“We are committed to providing high-quality homes and facilities for new and existing residents and will be investing almost £700 million over the next 15 years to ensure the sustainability of this vital project, £35 million of which will come from our own reserves.”

Barnet Council leader Cllr Dan Thomas said: “I am absolutely delighted with the Greater London Authority’s decision to approve the masterplan for Grahame Park.

“As one of London’s largest boroughs, with a population forecast to increase by more than 30,000 over the next fifteen years, it is essential that we build for Barnet’s future.

“The transformation of Grahame Park will provide high-quality homes and facilities for thousands of residents, creating a family-friendly place, while respecting existing communities.”