FEARS over whether rail lines are up to standard for large goods trains are addressed by planning conditions, Helioslough is arguing.

Re-examining his rail witness Nick Gallup this morning, the company's barrister Martin Kingston highlighted a proposed condition preventing the occupation of more than 175,000 square metres of warehouse floorspace before improvements have been made to the Midland Main Line.

Mr Gallup agreed the condition would ensure the project would operate as a proper road-to-rail terminal and similar objections applied to the rail lines serving Colnebrook, the council's proposed alternative railfreight site.

Mr Kingston also highlighted an undertaking by Helioslough to fund improvements to bring the rail route between the proposed depot and the Channel Tunnel to W9 standard .

Mr Gallup said: “That addresses any concerns that there should be W10 gauge, because W9 is wider than W10 at the top corners.”