A major regeneration of a 1960s housing estate has been given planning approval, paving the way for the first phase of development.

The Dollis Valley Estate in High Barnet will be demolished under the plans, submitted by developer Countryside Properties and commissioned by Barnet Council.

The authority’s planning committee last night approved a detailed application for the first phase of the project, which includes the demolition of several existing buildings – including a former school and community hall – and the construction of 108 new homes.

The committee also gave outline planning consent for the rest of the project – involving the construction of 523 homes and the creation of new infrastructure and green spaces on the dilapidated sink estate.

The planning approval is a major step forward for the regeneration, which has faced a backlash from some residents who claim the run down estate will be turned in to a “concrete jungle” under the plans.

Phase one of the project, which could get underway by the end of the summer, includes the creation of a community centre and nursery, as well as new road access to the estate from Mays Lane, car parking and bike storage.

The estate, labelled as “isolated blighted post-war housing” by planning officers, had been identified by Barnet Council as a priority for regeneration.

In 2009, the authority selected Countryside Properties and housing association L&Q as their preferred bidders for the project.

Since the final proposals were submitted, Barnet Council received 17 letters of objection and six in favour.

Neighbours of the estate have previously complained that the “overbearing development” will adversely impact their own homes, while existing occupants raised concerns over the loss of a large area of green space on the site.

But developers will now press ahead with the first phase of the multi-million pound regeneration after members of the planning committee at Hendon Town Hall gave final planning consent.