Greenbelt Threat

Thursday 24th August, 2006

Campaigners are warning that plans to build a giant rail freight depot will mean concreting over almost a third of a 914-acre wedge of Green Belt south of St Albans.

STRiFE, the pressure group opposing the plans for the huge depot proposed for the former Radlett Airfield site at Park Street, says the land which is earmarked for the scheme is a "lung" for the area.

Spokesperson Cathy Bolshaw said the land, including the countryside park which developers Helioslough were promising, stretched from Sopwell House Hotel to the M25 at the southern end of the airfield site.

Cathy added: "The majority of the land that is being discussed is a natural habitat now to many species of wildlife."

She pointed out that land to the north of the A414, which Helioslough was proposing for the wildlife park, was currently in private ownership. Although it wasfarmed it had footpaths running through it. She said: "We don't need a managed country park."

She highlighted the fact that Hedges Farm with its own butcher's shop selling locally-reared meat would also be lost if the development went ahead.

And STRiFE has also voiced its concern that part of the development site is already in an Air Quality Management Area because it has unacceptable levels of pollution, mainly from the M25 motorway and surrounding roads.

Cathy warned: "This would only get worse and probably extend to more areas if this scheme is built."

A planning application for the depot described as one of the most devastating planning applications to hit St Albans in recent years, has now been lodged by Helioslough. It is expected to be called in for a ministerial decision.

STRiFE is urging residents to send letters objecting to the scheme to Robin Booth, Case Officer, St Albans District Council, Civic Centre, St Peter's Street, St Albans AL1 3JE.