St Albans District Council has been refused leave to appeal the dismissal of its court challenge against the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government.

The council had challenged the Secretary of State’s decision to grant planning permission for a £300m strategic rail freight interchange at Park Street.

The High Court dismissed the council’s challenge on March 13.

A month later, the council applied to the Court of Appeal for permission to appeal the dismissal - but has been told today that permission has been refused.

In his decision, Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Sullivan said that he considers the grounds of appeal put forward by the council do not have a real prospect of success.

The council now has seven days to decide whether to request that Rt. Hon. Lord Justice Sullivan’s decision is reconsidered at an oral hearing before the Court of Appeal.

They are taking advice from legal advisors before making this decision.

For a timeline of events regarding the battle to build a freight terminal in Park Street, click here.