St Albans freight terminal inquiry could reopen

The government is considering reopening an inquiry into plans for a rail freight terminal near St Albans.

Planning permission for the depot at a former aerodrome in Park Street had been refused by St Albans council.

HelioSlough Ltd appealed against the decision for a second time after the first was dismissed by the government.

Secretary of state Eric Pickles has now said the plans should be considered alongside an inquiry into a similar scheme in Berkshire.

Mr Pickles has asked for the views of the council and other interested parties on the proposed approach by 3 October.

St Albans City and District Council originally refused planning permission in 2009, as it considered the proposal would harm the green belt.

HelioSlough said its plans followed government policies to transport goods by rail not road and that the terminal was needed to serve the whole of south-east England.