Councillors object to Radlett Aerodrome plans

Following the meeting of the Hertsmere Major Applications Committee on the 11th October 2006, Hertsmere Borough Councillors voted unanimously to write to St Albans City and District Council requesting refusal of the planning application for Radlett Aerodrome.

Supporting reasons were also given. These included the impact on the Green Belt, the failure to demonstrate a case of very special circumstances to justify the development and long term negative effects on congestion and noise and air pollution.

More than 150 objections to the scheme were received. James Silvester, Principal Planning Policy Officer at Hertsmere Borough Council, said: “It is vital that we give members of the community an opportunity to be involved in the planning process of any major development. Even though the application is with St Albans City and District Council, it is important our Borough's views are heard.”

The planned terminal is sited east of Park Street and situated within the boundaries of St Albans, however the Council were asked to submit their formal opinion on the scheme. The planning application is for the development of a Strategic Rail Freight Interchange, which includes distribution buildings with associated road, rail and other infrastructure works including parking for up to 1665 cars and 617 lorries, landscaping and a new relief road on the Park Street/Frogmore junction. The overall proposals involve 419 hectares to include additional landscaping and other works on further sites to provide public access to open land and community forest.

At the SADC Planning Referral Committee meeting  on Wednesday 1st November, St Albans councillors were minded to reject the application, but require a formal Highways Agency response before a final decision can be made. Councillors are likely to be able to make that decision in January.

Further information on the St Albans District Council decision can be found at http://www.stalbans.gov.uk/pressroom/newsful.php?Id_No=670