Rail Freight Interchange: I Will Oppose
11th April 2006
Anne Main, Member of Parliament for St Albans, has today commented on the release of the plans for the new Radlett Aerodrome:
Anne Main, Member of Parliament for St Albans, has today commented on the release of the plans for the new Radlett Aerodrome:
"On Weds 5th April I attended a Stakeholder meeting which included planning, highways and all other aspects of the application. I spent two hours there asking questions about the proposal and I was disappointed to learn that it will be a proposed development totaling 3.5 million Sq Feet. There will 3,000 lorry movements a day 200 per hour at peak times, there will also be 2652 car parking spaces which will obviously generate significant traffic movement and the proposal hinges on a radical rethink of the London Colney and Park St roundabouts and access being created off the A414 as well as an exit being created off the site, which will include a redesign of the bridge over the M25.
Notwithstanding the concerns on the environmental implication of the project and its greenbelt location I believe that this is ultimately an unacceptable project. However, I am very concerned that this will ultimately be a Government decision - and the Government has said its commitment to finding a site for a rail freight interchange - studies already indicate that Radlett Aerodrome is a preferred site.
After listening carefully to details about the plan I do not believe I can give the development my support. I will also be writing to those residents near to the site in the very near future outlining the reasons why I oppose the plan. Furthermore, not only will I be supporting the District Council's efforts to oppose the development but I will be raising the issue with the relevant Government departments as well as in Parliament.""
