Strategic Rail Freight Interchange - Radlett
Planning Inquiry
Commencing 6 November 2007
Appeal Decision
Hazel Blears, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, has dismissed the appeal by Helioslough Limited against St Albans City and District Council's refusal of planning permission for a rail freight terminal on land in and around the former aerodrome in Park Street.
The decision comes after a planning inquiry lasting from 6 November to 20 December 2007 during which the Council, together with Hertsmere Borough Council and Hertfordshire County Council opposed Helioslough's plans for a rail freight interchange involving buildings of up to 330,000sqm together with parking for up to 1665 cars and 617 lorries.
Following the Public Inquiry, the Planning Inspector, Mr Andrew Phillipson prepared a report to the Secretary of State recommending dismissal of the scheme and the Secretary of State has accepted his recommendation.
The Secretary of State's decision letter, together with the Inspector's report is available below.
Secretary of State's Decision Letter
Planning Inspectorate's Report
A Planning Inspector has been appointed by the Secretary of State to hold a Planning Inquiry into an appeal by Helioslough Ltd against the refusal of planning permission by St Albans City and District Council of an outline planning application for a Rail Freight terminal at land in and around the Former Aerodrome, North Orbital Road, Upper Colne Valley.
The Planning Inquiry will commence at 10.00 am on Tuesday 6 November 2007 at the Disctrict Council Offices, St Peter's Street, St Albans. The Inquiry will also be webcast to the Committee Rooms in the Council Offices and the Baptist Church in Upper Dagnall Street on the opening two days.
This webpage has been set up to provide an online 'one-stop-shop' for anyone interested in following the progress of the inquiry, or wishing to review the background information relating to it.
You will be able to access the Council site from a PC with Internet access using this link http://www.stalbans.ukcouncil.net/site/.
In addition, there will be a web link on the Rail Freight homepage of the Council's www.stalbans.gov.uk. People with access to an appropriate computer with internet access will be able to view the proceedings of the opening two days of the Inquiry without needing to attend in person.
You will also be able to view documents submitted for the Planning Inquiry, including Proofs of Evidence, Summaries, Document Library, Core Document List, and Programming. However, the Programming of the Inquiry is not definite and may change after the commencement of the Inquiry.
PRESS RELEASES
(descending date order)
17 Dec 2007: webcast - end of the Rail Freight Planning Inquiry
12 Dec 2007: The Rail Freight Planning Inquiry comes to a close
12 Nov 2007: Rail Freight Planning Inquiry relocates for w/c 19 Nov
22 Oct 2007: Additional seats for Rail Freight Planning Inquiry
02 Oct 2007: Arrangements for the Rail Freight Planning Inquiry
19 Sep 2007: Rail Freight Planning Inquiry to start 6th November
06 Sep 2007: Decision on date for Rail Freight Planning Inquiry
12 Jul 2007: Rail Freight Planning Inquiry update
04 Jun 2007: Rail Freight Planning Appeal
20 Feb 2007: Decision on the Rail Freight Planning application
22 Dec 2006: Rail Freight Planning application update
08 Nov 2006: webcast of Rail Freight meeting
02 Nov 2006: Rail Freight Planning committee decision
23 Oct 2006: Rail Freight Planning Referrals Committee meeting
13 Oct 2006: Rail Freight Planning Referrals Committee 1st November