Rail freight public inquiry set for November (From Borehamwood Times)

Rail freight public inquiry set for November

3:15pm Thursday 24th September 2009

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A PUBLIC inquiry to determine whether a rail freight terminal can be built near Radlett will take place in November, it has been announced.

St Albans District Council refused planning permission for the Strategic Rail Freight Interchange (SRFI) in July, following Helioslough's second application for the 419-hectare depot.

The developer then lodged an appeal with the Planning Inspectorate and it has now been announced that a planning inquiry is set to begin on November 24. It is scheduled to take place for 16 days.

The Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government will then make the final decision.

Councillor Chris Brazier, executive member for planning and conservation at St Albans District Council, said there would be a preliminary meeting between the council and Helioslough to determine the inquiry's agenda.

He added: “We gave 14 reasons to refuse the application. Now having an appeal, we need to get witnesses in place and documents to defend the reasons.

“If we're not ready on November 24, we will ask for a delay. But at the moment, November 24 is the set date.”

Meanwhile, representatives for Helioslough have said they are “hopeful of a successful outcome”.

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