THE creation of a new town centre in Colindale took a step closer to being realised last night after key elements of a major development were approved by Barnet Council.

A planning committee gave the green light to two planning applications brought by developers Fairview Homes Ltd, which outline the construction of more than 700 new homes.

The plans also include a new hotel, a public piazza, transport interchange and the renovation of the disused Colindale Hospital.

Councillor Melvin Cohen, cabinet member for planning and development, described the decision to approve the scheme as “farseeing” and “of huge importance” to residents.

He said: “The scheme will bring about radical improvements in the living conditions and life prospects of everyone who lives there, and opens the way to further, comprehensive regeneration.

“Colindale will become an attractive, vibrant and sustainable area, in line with our priority to create successful suburbs.”

The suburb has been identified as one of the most deprived areas of the borough, with high levels of unemployment.

The council has drawn up plans to attract developers to the area by outlining the developments they want to see implemented.

It is hoped that the Fairview Homes scheme and others like it will deliver 10,000 new homes and hundreds of new jobs in Colindale over the next decade.

The plans are being supported by infrastructure improvements, including the work at Aerodrome Road – which has run substantially over budget – to improve transport access to the area.

Fairview Homes is now set to build 714 homes in Colindale Avenue, as well as new health facilities to be used by the NHS.

A portion of land within the site has also been set aside for Barnet College to move from its site in nearby Grahame Park, which will release land for the council to build a new, much-needed primary school.