“Let the battle commence" was the cry from The Honourable Mr Justice Holgate as the Government’s decision to approve plans for a huge rail freight terminal on a Green Belt site were challenged in the High Court today.

St Albans District Council is challenging Eric Pickles' decision to grant planning permission for a £300m strategic rail freight interchange on the former Radlett Airfield in Park Street.

Mr Pickles, the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government, decided to allow a second appeal from developer Helioslough in July last year after the council refused planning permission.

Following the decision, the council lodged an appeal to the High Court, which is being heard today and tomorrow. 

The battle to build a new rail freight terminal in Park Street has been running since developers HelioSlough first submitted an application to St Albans District Council in 2007.

Campaign group STRiFE gathered outside the Royal Courts of Justice this morning.

Cathy Bolshaw group leader said: "Nine years on and here we are. We have no idea what the outcome will be but where there is hope we will keep fighting.

"We have had such amazing support over the years continue to get new members. We are hoping for a positive outcome."

Park Street resident Chris Brown said: “I have been campaigning since the start. I believe if the freight terminal is built there will actually be fewer trains and more lorries. We won't give up fighting. It's not about common sense now it comes down to law.”

Borehamwood Times:

Campaigner Chris Brown outside the High Court

This morning, legal representatives for St Albans District Council have been setting out their arguments to the judge.

The council is challenging the decision on three points of law - the first concerned with the legality of the Secretary of State’s approach in taking his decision.

The second ground for appeal relates to the misapplication of wording in the National Planning Policy Framework, a document that sets out planning policy nationally.

The third ground for challenge relates to "procedural irregularity and inconsistency" on the rail freight interchange decision.

St Albans MP Anne Main said she was pleased the council was fighting the proposal.

She said: "I have never been happy with the decision taken by the Secretary of State. Very similar proposals have been refused on two previous occasions and I believe this should also be refused.

"I am outraged that this David and Goliath fight is costing my council so much to stand up for the people of St Albans and defend its own robust planning policies.

"I will continue to do all I can to fight this proposal and to assist the Council with their challenge. If this is allowed to go ahead it will act as a Trojan horse to built on Green Belt land.”

The council has spent more than £1.4 million to date in the seven-year fight against the Helioslough scheme.

For a timeline of events, click here. The case continues.