I know that you have been in contact recently regarding your opposition to proposed Rail freight interchange at Radlett. I learned earlier this week that the developers, HelioSlough, have now submitted their formal planning application to St Albans District Council. You can see the plan at www.helioslough.com/aerodrome.

St Albans District Council, who will be considering the application, are about to launch a public consultation on this issue.

Therefore I believe that if you, like me, do not wish to see this development go ahead then it is vital that you write to St Albans District Council outlining your objections during this preliminary consultation stage. Within your letter you might like to highlight any concerns you may you have about the environmental implications, congestion, and loss of green belt land that I believe this development will cause.

You should direct your letters and comments to:

Mr Robin Booth

Planning Department

St Albans City and District Council
St Peters Street
Hertfordshire
AL1 3JE

As you may know, I have raised this issue a number of times in Parliament including asking Jack Straw, the Leader of the House, if the Government will allow the issue to be debated fully in Parliament. However, I also plan to initiate a debate myself in Parliament regarding this application and its effects on St Albans. I have also invited the Secretary of State for Transport to visit St Albans to see the impact this development will have not only on Park Street and the surrounding area but on St Albans as a whole.

I personally feel that the proposal will alter St Albans from that of a pleasant City, known for its history and culture, to one that will only be associated with rail freight.

With the site access being proposed for the busy A414, that means all traffic for the site, including the predicted 3,000 lorries a day, will have to use the Park Street and the London Colney roundabout. As a local resident you will already be aware that these roundabouts are severely congested at peak times. Conversations with an officer of Hertfordshire County Council, lead me to believe that these roundabouts already have severe problems that cannot easily be addressed. Extra traffic will surely only add to the misery.

I have met with a number of campaign groups that have been set up by local residents who are opposed to these plans and I will continue to support them 100% as well as doing everything I can both locally and in Parliament to oppose what would be a blight on our City.

Please do get in contact if you require more information or you can see my latest activities on this issue at www.annemain.com or www.no2railfreight.com 

With best wishes,