News

Developer Helioslough says it is confident it can prove that its plan for a huge road-rail freight interchange in Hertfordshire will be given the green light next year. Spokesman Simon Hoare says the rejection of its previous application by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government was based on its failure  to demonstrate that the former Radlett aerodrome was the only available site for the development.

Helioslough has now submitted another environmental statement scoping study to St Albans District Council - the first step towards a new planning application. The £300m, 40-acre freight terminal will have space for up to 617 trucks and is designed to meet the needs of the north-west quadrant of the M25.

In a letter to local councillor David Yates, Hoare writes: "Clearly, the Inspector and Secretary of State doubt that there is an alternative site to accommodate such a development within the catchment but concluded that the appellant did not prove the case so conclusively as to allow the appeal to be successful. We are confident that with a thorough review and evolution of a new document this is an obstacle that we can overcome."

St Albans District Council confirms it has received an environmental statement from Helioslough, which addresses issues such as floor space  and building materials.