Today the Planning Minister has announced his decision to grant full planning permission for the controversial rail freight site at Radlett.

The St Albans MP, who has for years vociferously opposed the development of a rail freight terminal at Radlett, said, ‘This has been a very long battle, and I am gutted about the Minister’s decision to grant planning permission, it’s a slap in the face for residents – although I can’t say I’m surprised, after all we did previously have a ‘minded to grant’ decision. I’d like to take this moment to thank all the local campaigners for all their hard work, but we are not at the end of the road yet.

‘Just because the developer have been granted planning permission, doesn’t mean the land can be built on if they do not own the site. As owners of the part of the land which would be developed under these proposals, I will be urging Hertfordshire County Council to sit down with St Albans District Council [SADC] and consider the best option available for the site.

‘SADC is currently deciding where it should place development to meet its housing targets, and a hasty, knee-jerk, decision to sell to Helioslough for potential short-term gain would not be the best option for the local taxpayer, or would not help solve our local housing need.

‘We have to bear in mind that there is still chance for the council to have a judicial review, but given SADC is currently considering its Green Belt boundaries, it may be that the site is prioritised.

‘As far as Network Rail are concerned, I am deeply disappointed they don’t believe any other site would substitute for Radlett, considering the more appropriate alternatives that are available. They have not been helpful with providing information that I have requested, and I disagree entirely with their assessment of the suitability of the site.

‘Given its Green Belt status, I do not welcome any development. Leaving my concerns aside, it may be more appropriate for the council to consider if a small but limited development, reflecting the village environment, would be beneficial for the area. This would offer the opportunity for local young people to get on the housing ladder, and would certainly be more preferable than a monstrous rail freight terminal.’